Both day and nighttime closures are coming to I-5 interchange in Olympia throughout May
There will be several overnight ramp and lane closures on Martin Way on Olympia’s east side this month. It’s the next step in Intercity Transit’s Martin Way Park & Ride Direct Access Project at the Martin Way on-ramp to I-5.
The project will require several overnight closures of the ramp from Martin Way to northbound I-5, and closures of the right turn lane from westbound Martin Way to northbound I-5. The I-5 ramp closures will happen Monday, May 1, as well as May 17-19, from 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. There will be signs for detours set up for the duration of construction.
Drivers will still be able to access northbound I-5 from College Street, and southbound access to the interstate won’t be affected at all.
The westbound right turn lane on Martin Way leading up to the I-5 ramp also will be closed several times during the day in May. The first will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, and then the lane will close again starting at 7 a.m. May 3 and ending at 7 a.m. May 5.
The next lane closure will be from 7 a.m. May 8 to 7 a.m. May 10, followed by 7 a.m. May 17 to 5 p.m. May 19, or until work is finished.
The project is aimed at improving bus access and provide faster service to riders using Olympia Express, which connects the Olympia/Lacey area to transportation services in Pierce County, according to a news release from Intercity Transit. The closures are needed so crews can reconstruct the on-ramp shoulder, as well as repave and paint in a “bus only” lane to the interstate.
The construction is weather dependent and subject to change. There will be electronic signage posted to notify drivers of schedule updates. Construction for the project is expected to last through the fall.
According to the news release, northbound Olympia Express may be delayed during the construction period. But in the end, there will be a new bus stop and other facilities, and rides will likely be shorter than they are now. Those who use the service can find out more information on Intercity Transit’s website.
This story was originally published May 1, 2023 at 11:34 AM.
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