Both ends of Thurston County could see miles-long freeway backups starting this weekend
Several lane closures are planned for major stretches of highway throughout Thurston County, starting on Saturday.
According to news releases from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the right lane of northbound I-5 approaching the Nisqually River bridge between Thurston and Pierce counties will close from 6 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 7.
The closure allows crews to use an Under Bridge Inspection Truck to repair cracks and replace rivets on the northbound bridge. The work is done during daylight hours, and it helps extend the life of the bridge.
Travelers driving northbound should expect delays in the area, especially during late morning hours.
Additional lane closures at that location are scheduled for 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 21, according to the release.
There also will be lane closures on State Route 8 and US 101 this weekend. According to a news release from WSDOT, the right lane of SR 8 and US 101 approaching Mud Bay will close from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
Maintenance crews will be cutting back brush and washing signs during the lane closure. Travelers should expect to see rolling slowdowns in the work zone while trees of concern are addressed.
Lastly, lane closures on southbound I-5 in the Grand Mound area will begin on Monday.
According to a news release from WSDOT, maintenance crews plan to reduce a two-mile section of southbound I-5 to one lane in the area of Littlerock and Maytown.
From 6 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, the section of southbound I-5 approaching Exit 95 to Littlerock/Maytown will be reduced to one lane so crews can fill gaps in the surface of the roadway.
Travelers who don’t change their plans could see miles-long backups on southbound I-5 approaching Maytown.
Additional daytime lane closures on southbound I-5 near Grand Mound are planned in July to complete pavement repairs.
This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 10:33 AM.
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