Work On Interstate 5 Scheduled For April

If you're heading south on Interstate 5 in April, don't do it. Or at least try to avoid it during certain periods.

Traffic backups could reach five miles or more depending on traffic volumes and the number of lanes closed all of April on I-5, the Washington State Department of Transportation is cautioning.

The work is also weather-dependent, which makes pinpointing the affected weekends difficult. Here's a tentative schedule.

“We’ll really need drivers’ help on weekends,” said Kevin Dayton, region administrator. “We’ll be asking people to avoid the area; otherwise we could see extremely long backups.”

Crews return to Lakewood in April to repave the Clover Creek Bridge. The WSDOT awarded the $650,000 project to C.A. Carey Corp. earlier this year.

Last summer, lane closures and backups were normal between Martin Way in Thurston County and 48th Street in Pierce County as crews repaired 25 miles of roadway.

“This year we’re focusing on the bridge, and it will take less time to complete, when compared to last summer’s work,” Dayton said. “The good news is we are able to complete the work in just four weekends.”

Overlaying the bridge’s deck and replacing approach slabs requires two extended weekend closures (up to three lanes closed Friday night through Monday morning), and two weekends of Friday and Saturday night lane closures.

During construction, additional WSDOT crews and Washington State Patrol troopers will be in force to help keep the work zones clear. Drivers are encouraged to check their routes before they go using our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov or by calling 511.