February 2013
- Crews opened a new, third lane of traffic on both directions of I-5 in Nov., 2011.
- Crews are wrapping up landscaping work and final construction activities. Click here for this week's traffic impacts.
- This project was awarded to Tri-State Construction, Inc. of Bellevue, WA on April 16. Construction started in June, 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
Overview
This project widens four miles of I-5 from two 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. The interstate links markets in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and is critical to the regional, state and national economy.
WSDOT is investing a $390 million from the 2003 and 2005 gas-tax packages in four projects – including this project – to improve traffic flow and safety along 18 miles of I-5 in Lewis and Thurston counties. By widening and improving the interstate corridor, this project helps reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and reduce the chance for collisions caused by traffic backups and merging conditions.
The End Result
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
- Mobility: Increases the interstate’s capacity and traffic flow between the Blakeslee Railroad Junction in Lewis County and just south of the Grand Mound interchange (Exit 88) in Thurston County.
- Safety: Helps reduce the chance for collisions that commonly occur in traffic backups and merging conditions.
Economic: Improves freight and commuter mobility through Lewis County.
What is the project timeline?
- 2006: Preliminary design and environmental documentation
- 2007: Right-of-Way acquisition and final design
- 2008: Permit acquisition began
- June 1, 2010: Construction began
- November, 2011: New lanes opened to traffic
- 2012: Construction scheduled for completion
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
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
Abbi Russell
WSDOT Communications
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: Russela@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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