Project Facts
- This is the first major improvement to this section of I-5 in over 13 years. The existing asphalt was installed in 1994.
- This section of I-5 currently carries almost 42,000 vehicles each day. The Smokey Point rest areas serve over one million people per year.
- Repaving extends the lifespan of the pavement and reduces costly and inconvenient repairs. Learn more about WSDOT's preservation efforts.
Overview
The pavement on southbound Interstate 5 between Arlington and the Stillaguamish River is showing signs of wear and tear. Almost 42,000 vehicles travel on this stretch of highway each day, and as a result of this heavy traffic, the pavement in the area is rutted and failing. This work will preserve the structural integrity of the roadway and extend its life, saving taxpayers money and providing drivers with a safer and smoother ride.
Why is WSDOT
paving this stretch of I-5?
When construction begins, the pavement on this stretch of I-5 between SR 531 (172nd St. NE) and the Stillaguamish River will be over 15 years old. The pavement is being worn down and damaged by the thousands of vehicles that use it every day. We need to remove and resurface the pavement to end costly and inconvenient temporary repairs, provide drivers with a smooth, safe ride free of cracks and potholes, and ensure that the roadway will last well into the future.
In summer 2009, crews will resurface:
- Almost four miles of southbound I-5 from SR 531 to the Stillaguamish River bridge.
- One mile of northbound I-5 near the Stillaguamish River bridge.
- The southbound I-5 on- and off-ramps at SR 530.
- The northbound and southbound Smokey Point rest areas, which together serve over one million people per year.
In addition, crews will add new pavement markings, upgrade signing and make other safety improvements.
The End Result
Drivers will have a safer and smoother road surface. They will also notice new pavement markings, upgraded signing and safety improvements to the median and guardrail.
Project Benefits
Safety - New pavement will decrease the potential for collisions and new pavement markings and signing will improve visibility and decision-making time for drivers.
Preservation - Repaving the highway extends the lifespan of the pavement and reduces costly and inconvenient repairs.
What is the project timeline?
March 2007 - We began designing this project.
Winter 2008 - We will select the contractor who submits the most competitive bid.
Spring 2009 - We expect to begin construction.
Fall 2009 - We expect to complete this project.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact Project Design Engineer Hung Huynh if you have questions or concerns.
Environmental Protection
We will work to reduce effects on wetlands, creeks and rivers that could be in the project area.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
The new pavement will improve driver safety by eliminating cracks, potholes and rough patches and providing a more consistent driving surface. New pavement markings and signing will also improve safety for drivers.
Our crews will follow the most current guidelines for traffic control to maximize the safety for the motoring public and construction workers.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
We will address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
To learn more about Section 106 Tribal Consultation (also called government-to-government tribal consultation process) please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
Pre-existing funds - $4.5 million
Total Funding - $4.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
WSDOT Project Engineer - Design - Hung Huynh
15700 Dayton Ave. N
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4311
E-mail: HuynhH@wsdot.wa.gov
WSDOT Communications - Sarah Thomas
15700 Dayton Ave. N
PO Box 330310 MS: 103
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206-440-4470
E-mail: thomas@wsdot.wa.gov
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