| Project Detail |
Beginning in summer 2021, contractor crews will rehabilitate a nearly two mile stretch of southbound Interstate 5, just south of Woodland, WA between milepost 18.28 and 20.0, in Clark county.
Concrete panel replacement
Crews will replace concrete panels throughout the length of the project. These panels are cracked beyond repair.
Repaving
Asphalt nearing the end of its lifespan will be removed. Crews will grind the top layer of asphalt off the southbound left lane of the interstate and remove existing rumble strips to accomodate construction staging needs. This will create a new, safer driving surface.
Why is WSDOT repaving this stretch of I-5?
Sections of the interstate are showing signs of wear and tear. There are cracks, ruts and potholes in many places along the highway. The work needs to be done to improve the structural integrity of the roadway.
This $7.6 million project will extend the life of the roadway and provide a smoother surface and safer ride for drivers.
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 is the busiest commuter roadway in western Washington.
The End Result
Rehabilitating this stretch of I-5 extends the life of the interstate and preserves an important commuter and freight corridor for many years to come.
Project Benefits
Preservation – Repaving this section of I-5 will improve the surface of the roadway and extend the life of the highway.
Safety – Removing ruts and cracks will produce a smoother highway surface, creating a safer ride for drivers.
Economic – Repaving this section of I-5 will reduce the need for costly emergency repairs and maintenance work.
Construction
To minimize traffic backups and delays, most of the construction work will occur weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., with single and double lane closures and occasional rolling slowdowns. For increased safety, the speed limit within the work zone will be temporarily reduced to 55 mph until construction is complete.
During work to remove sections of failing pavement and rebuild the roadway, crews will reduce southbound I-5 to two lanes of travel, around-the-clock, for 21 consecutive days. This single lane closure, currently scheduled to begin on Aug. 15, and may cause significant delays, especially during peak travel times.
To minimize delays and enhance work zone safety, crews will install a temporary Smart Work Zone System. Using sensor technology, the system gives travelers real-time traffic information by analyzing roadway conditions. This helps increase safety and allows people to make safer, more efficient driving choices as they approach a work zone.
Timeline
April 2021: Project goes to competitive bid
May 17, 2021: Contract Awarded to Granite Construction
July 2021: Construction scheduled to begin
Fall 2021: Project scheduled for completion |
