Here we go again: Plan for possible 10-mile backups on I-5 in South Thurston County

Motorists who travel on Interstate 5 in South Thurston County will again need to plan for overnight work and daytime delays due to roadway repairs, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). 

The WSDOT is projecting 10-mile backups unless there is a major change in driver habits during the construction work. 

Similar delays of up to two hours were reported during the last round of WSDOT I-5 construction June 24-27. 

While that work was done exclusively during the day as a safety precaution for workers, the next wave of work will take place at night and day. 

Night work

10 p.m. to 4 a.m. each following day Monday, July 8, and Tuesday, July 9:

• A 2-mile section of northbound I-5 between the Lewis and Thurston county line and Exit 88 in Grand Mound will be reduced to a single lane.
• Exit 88 from northbound I-5 to U.S. Highway 12 will close.
• The ramp from U.S. Highway 12 to northbound I-5 will close.

10 p.m. to 4 a.m. each following day Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11:

• A 2-mile section of southbound I-5 between Exit 88 in Grand Mound and the Lewis and Thurston county line will be reduced to a single lane.
• Exit 88 from southbound I-5 to U.S. Highway 12 will close.
• The ramp from U.S. Highway 12 to southbound I-5 will close.

During ramp closures, travelers will follow a signed detour to access I-5 and US 12.

Day work

8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16

• A 2-mile section of northbound I-5 between the Lewis and Thurston county line and Exit 88 in Grand Mound will be reduced to a single lane.

WSDOT is asking travelers to consider rescheduling discretionary trips, travel early in the morning or late afternoon, add two hours of extra time to help prevent delays and top off fuel tanks or have fully charged vehicles.

The lane closures allow crews to finish filling gaps in the roadway surface and fix potholes. Crews need warm and dry conditions to perform the repairs. Once complete, the repairs will help reduce the rate of roadway deterioration, according to WSDOT.