OLYMPIA – Major traffic delays are expected on I-5 through Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater during two upcoming weekends. Long-distance travelers should plan alternative routes to avoid the Olympia area or be prepared for significant delays, the state Department of Transportation says.
Over the weekends of Sept. 12 and Sept. 19, crews will repair a worn bridge expansion joint that bisects all lanes of northbound and southbound I-5 near Capitol Lake. The expansion joint also extends through adjacent US 101 on- and off-ramps. Work is part of a larger $4.5 million project to pave sections of I-5 from Tumwater Boulevard to Gravelly Lake Drive in Pierce County.
I-5 closure details
Beginning 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, crews will shift three northbound I-5 lanes to the left and reduce the on-ramp from southbound US 101 to northbound I-5 to one lane. At that time, the Deschutes Way on-ramp to northbound I-5 will also close until 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15.
Beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12, and continuing around the clock through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will reduce lanes and shift traffic on southbound and northbound I-5.
During daytime hours on both weekends, I-5 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. At 10 p.m. on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, an additional lane will close, reducing I-5 to one lane in each direction. Ramps in the area will close as well and remain closed through Monday morning. A second lane will reopen each following morning by 8 a.m.
State traffic engineers anticipate lengthy traffic backups and delays on both southbound and northbound I-5. In addition to I-5, drivers are advised to plan for delays on southbound US 101 approaching I-5.
Similar lane reductions and delays will be repeated during the weekend of Sept. 19. The weekend of Sept. 26 is an alternate weekend should rain cancel the work on one weekend.
What can drivers do?
The state says it needs help from drivers to keep traffic moving during both weekends.
“It’s exceedingly important for drivers to consider their travel plans during these weekends,” said Department of Transportation project engineer Ricky Bhalla. “Their best option is to avoid the area altogether. If that is not possible, we’re asking people to travel through the area early in the morning or late at night, add lots of extra travel time to their trips, and to be patient with the delays.”
What if drivers must use I-5 in Olympia?
* Drivers who cannot avoid I-5 in Olympia during the two weekends are advised to:
* Expect considerable delays with miles of stop-and-go traffic;
* Consider traveling through the area early (before 10 a.m.) or late (after 8 p.m.) in the day;
* Be prepared – have a full tank of gas, have diversionary games for children traveling in the car, and pack patience.
* Allow plenty of extra time to reach travel destinations.
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