Three projects will improve I-5 between Mellen Street and Grand Mound. They include:
I-5, Blakeslee Junction to Grand Mound
This project will widen 4 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. Construction of Phase 1 will begin in 2009.
I-5, Mellen Street Improvements
Improvements to the existing Mellen Street Interchange will help reduce traffic backups onto I-5 and will improve emergency access to the hospital.
I-5, Mellen Street to Blakeslee Junction
This project will widen approximately 3 miles of I-5 from two lanes to three lanes, plus a possible fourth auxiliary lane in each direction between the Mellen Street interchange (Exit 81) and the Blakeslee Railroad Junction bridge in Lewis County. Construction of Phase 2 will begin in 2011.