Headed to Portland this weekend? Prepare for 90-minute delays on southbound I-5, WSDOT says
South Sound travelers headed south on Interstate 5 to Portland or beyond for Labor Day weekend should plan for delays of up to 90 minutes or more Thursday through Monday, the state Department of Transportation says.
And there are no detours in the area of the roadwork, WSDOT warns.
At issue is an around-the-clock single-lane closure tied to construction on the North Fork Lewis Bridge, which straddles the Cowlitz-Clark county line.
The $17.4 million project is repairing the bridge deck, modifying expansion joints and installing a polyester concrete overlay.
“This temporary lane closure and traffic shift are causing long delays and backups during peak travel hours,” WSDOT officials say. “To avoid delays, plan your trips for earlier or later in the day, when traffic volumes are lower and weather conditions are cooler.”
Peak travel times are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to WSDOT.
There’s also one more potential travel hiccup: An increase in congestion and travel delays are expected near Ridgefield because a new Costco, located just off I-5 at Exit 14, is set to open at 8 a.m. Thursday.
WSDOT recommends the following if you must travel through the area:
▪ Prepare your vehicle: Fill the gas tank, fully charge the electric vehicle, pack extra water and an emergency kit.
▪ Avoid overheating: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid congestion and vehicle overheating. Do not park on the shoulder, as engine sparks can cause fires.
▪ Stay on the interstate: Traveling on the interstate is safer and faster. There are no designated detour routes. Do not rely on GPS apps as they often provide inaccurate information and suggest slower, potentially dangerous bypass routes.
▪ Avoid local routes: Local routes are not an option for travelers looking to bypass construction delays. Washington State Patrol and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office continue to monitor roadways and exits to ensure through traffic and freight remain on the interstate.
▪ Go to the bathroom: Located at milepost 54 on southbound I-5, the Toutle River Rest Area is the last opportunity for public restroom services before construction delays begin.
This story was originally published August 29, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Headed to Portland this weekend? Prepare for 90-minute delays on southbound I-5, WSDOT says."
