November 2009
This week's traffic impacts
Construction is under way throughout the project area. Scarsella Bros. Inc. is the prime contractor for the project. Motorists need to exercise caution anytime they travel through a work zone.
Crews are working daytime and nighttime as the weather permits.
Crews have constructed stormwater treatment ponds throughout the project. The ponds reduce pollution from roadway water run-off.
- Bridge construction is advancing at Prairie Creek, Scatter Creek and Maytown Interchange.
- Outside shoulders have been widened through a portion of the project and work is progressing in the median.
Reconstruction of the I-5/US 12 interchange at Grand Mound is a separate project. Learn more.
Why is WSDOT
widening this section of I-5?
This project is one of a series of projects to widen I-5 in both directions in Lewis and Thurston counties.
The additional lanes provide much-needed congestion relief and improved safety. In 1968 an average of 17,000 vehicles per day used this section of the highway. Today, that number is nearly 80,000.
Upgrading the existing freeway on-ramps and off-ramps to meet current design standards also provides important safety improvements.
The End Result
The end result of the project is a barrier-divided freeway with three general-purpose lanes in each direction. Motorists will benefit from increased mobility and improved safety.
The existing northbound and southbound truck-climbing lanes near the Maytown interchange will be retained, making a total of four lanes each direction in this area. Also, longer on-and off-ramps will provide more distance for vehicles to slow down and speed up.
South of the Grand Mound interchange, the realignment will provide a more gradual curve that can be negotiated safely at the posted 70 mph speed limit.
Additionally, two rest areas within the project limits will be connected to the Thurston County sewer system.
Project Benefits
- Traffic Flow. The addition of one lane in each direction to I-5 improves traffic flow and relieves congestion.
- Safety. The project realigns the curve south of the Grand Mound Interchange on I-5, increasing the driver distance. The result will be improved driver comfort and safety.
What is the project timeline?
Construction started in April 2008. The project is scheduled to be complete in summer 2010.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $86,276,113
- Existing Funds - $4,199,272
- Other Agency Funds - $148,670 (Thurston County Waste Management)
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $90,624,055
How can I get more information?
Contact:
MaryLou Nebergall, Project Engineer
WSDOT Tumwater Project Office
821 Airport Court SE
Tumwater, WA 98501-6805
Phone: 360-570-6750
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