Crews will close I-5 lanes in Thurston County for overpass work, WSDOT says

A new electronic sign is coming to the Tumwater Boulevard overpass across northbound Interstate 5, the state Department of Transportation announced.

But in order to remove the old sign and replace it with a 1,900 pound one means that northbound lanes of I-5 and the overpass itself will close.

The work begins this Friday night and Saturday night, from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m., according to WSDOT.

How can drivers head north?

Crews are going to reduce northbound I-5 to a single lane as it approaches Exit 101 at Tumwater Boulevard. Drivers will detour around the closure by using the off- and on-ramps in the area.

As for the overpass itself:

• Both directions of Tumwater Boulevard over I-5 will also close during the work.
• Westbound Tumwater Boulevard will close at the northbound I-5 on-ramp.
• Eastbound Tumwater Boulevard will close at Littlerock Road.
• Southbound I-5 travelers using Exit 101 will detour to Littlerock Road.

All southbound lanes of I-5 will remain open, according to WSDOT.

But wait, there’s more

From Monday, March 23, through Thursday, March 26, northbound I-5 travelers can also expect overnight single lane closures at the Tumwater Boulevard overpass from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. while crews complete electrical work for the new sign, WSDOT officials say.

Drivers are asked to consider rescheduling trips or to expect to add extra time to them. They should expect slower speeds and congestion near the work zone, according to WSDOT.