November 2009
- This project will be advertised for contractor bids in December, 2009
- Construction will begin in 2010 to coincide with staging on the project immediately to the north (I-5, Grand Mound to Maytown).
- WSDOT is currently working on the final design preparation and Right-of-Way acquisition for this project.
Overview
WSDOT will widen four miles of I-5 from two lanes to three lanes in each direction between the Blakeslee Railroad Junction in Lewis County (milepost 83.5) and just south of the Grand Mound interchange (Exit 88) in Thurston County.
Why is WSDOT
building this project?
I-5 is the most significant freight freeway on the West Coast, linking markets in Canada, the United States and Mexico and is critical to the regional, state and national economy. It also is the busiest commuter roadway in western Washington. There is currently a 40-mile long section of I-5 from the Toutle River Safety Rest Area in Cowlitz County to the Maytown interchange in Thurston County that is still only two lanes in each direction. As a result, congestion is a problem and even minor incidents can result in significant traffic backups. The area's mobility and safety problems are expected to grow as traffic volumes increase.
Widening this segment of I-5 will help address these issues, improve traffic flow through Lewis County, and benefit freight mobility in this very important corridor.
The End Result
When finished, I-5 between the Blakeslee Railroad Junction in Lewis County and just south of the Grand Mound interchange (Exit 88) in Thurston County will be a barrier-divided interstate with three general-purpose lanes in each direction.
Project Benefits
- Safety: As traffic levels increase on this section of I-5, safety problems are expected to grow. Widening the interstate will help address these potential problems.
- Mobility: This project will increase roadway capacity and traffic flow by widening approximately four miles of I-5 between the Blakeslee Railroad Junction in Lewis County and just south of the Grand Mound interchange (Exit 88) in Thurston County.
- Economic: This project will help increase economic development in this area by improving freight mobility through Lewis and south Thurston counties.
What is the project timeline?
- 2006: Preliminary Design and Environmental Documentation begins
- 2007: Right-of-Way Acquisition begins and final design continues
- 2008: Permit Acquisition begins
- 2010: Construction is scheduled to begin.
- 2011: Construction is scheduled for completion.
The start of construction for the I-5, Blakeslee to Grand Mound project was moved from an original start in summer 2009, to spring 2010. This decision was driven by several factors.
The I-5, Grand Mound to Maytown project - currently under construction - will widen seven miles of I-5 from four to six lanes. It is scheduled for completion in 2010. This project is immediately north of the Blakeslee to Grand Mound project, which will widen four miles of I-5 from four to six lanes. There is a substantial overlap between the two projects, which occurs immediately south of the Grand Mound interchange. Addressing this overlap has long been a challenge.
The start date for the I-5, Blakeslee Junction to Grand Mound project has been moved to spring 2010 in order to minimize conflicts between two contractors working in the overlap area. This change will not affect the timeline of the I-5, Mellen Street to Blakeslee Junction project.
Financial Information
Please see financial information on the main Web page for this series of projects.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Colin Newell
WSDOT Chehalis Project Office
1411 Rush Road
Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: 360-740-8600, or toll-free 1-866-713-2412
E-mail: swChehalis@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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