I-5 lane closures begin this week in south Thurston County. Here’s what to know.
I-5 commuters in south Thurston County will see nighttime lane reductions between Maytown Road and Old Highway 99 for highway repavement beginning July 6.
The $9.3 million construction project will repair nearly seven miles of I-5 showing wear and tear, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT completed highway repavement from Olympia to Maytown last summer.
Lanes will be closed on weekdays, with the speed limit on I-5 reduced from 70 mph to 55 mph between mileposts 88.9 and 95.7 when crews are working. Construction will begin on southbound lanes, then switch to northbound repairs. Scatter Creek and Maytown rest areas will close overnight, though both will remain open for daytime use.
Commuters should anticipate longer travel times during the project, which is scheduled to wrap up in October. When asked for the estimated delay time on the roads, WSDOT spokesperson Adrienne Hatmaker said it can be hard to know.
“Providing exact details is challenging due to numerous factors, including varying times and days” Hatmaker said. “However, the work occurs overnight when traffic volumes are considerably lower.”
Key closure times
Single lane closures will occur:
- 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Monday to Thursday
- 6 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday
Double lane closures will occur:
- 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Monday to Wednesday
- 9 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday
- 9 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday
Ramps and rest areas will be closed:
- 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Monday to Wednesday
- 10 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday
- 10 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday