Travelers will detour using I-205 and SR 500 during the highway closure
VANCOUVER – Work to improve Vancouver’s electrical system requires lots of coordination and planning. To get the job done safely and quickly, northbound and southbound Interstate 5 will fully close overnight Saturday, Sept. 13.
From 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will close both directions of I-5 between State Route 500 and I-205 to install transformer lines over I-5 near the Main Street overpass. This work will improve connectivity for all travelers in Clark County.
Even though there’s never a good time to close the highway, fully closing I-5 allows crews to finish utility work faster, reduce delays for travelers and improve worker safety.
“Safety is our top priority for both travelers and road crews,” WSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Matt Calderone said. “Fully closing the highway overnight gives crews the time they need to work safely, and detours ensure travelers can still reach their destinations with minimal delays.”
Southbound I-5 closure
All lanes of southbound I-5 will close from 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, to 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, between the I-5/I-205 split at Exit 7 and SR 500. The following on-ramps to southbound I-5 also will close:
- Northeast 139th Street
- Northeast 134th Street
- Northeast 99th Street
- Northeast 78th Street
People traveling on southbound I-5 can follow a signed detour and exit to southbound I-205 (milepost 8), continue south on I-205, follow signs to westbound SR 500, then merge back onto southbound I-5.
Northbound I-5 closure
All northbound lanes of I-5 will close from 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, to 6 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, between SR 500 at Exit 2 and the I-5/I-205 split. The following on-ramps to northbound I-5 will also close:
- East 39th Street
- Main Street
People traveling northbound on I-5 can follow a signed detour and exit to SR 500 (milepost 2), continue east on SR 500, then follow signs to merge onto northbound I-205.
For everyone’s safety, please slow down, stay focused, and expect delays near the work zone.
Know before you go
Get real-time travel information via the WSDOT mobile app, the real-time travel map or by signing up for email updates and alerts.
Also read:
- Opinion: Half the road, full stop – Understanding pedestrian right-of-way
Doug Dahl explains how Washington’s law requires drivers to stop when a pedestrian is within one lane of their half of the road, not just when directly in front. - Opinion: What is the cost of a bridge?
John Ley argues the I-5 Bridge replacement’s soaring cost stems from costly extras like light rail, noting other states deliver larger, toll-free bridges for much less. - Letter: Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle makes several serious and incorrect engineering statements
Bob Ortblad critiques engineering claims by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, highlighting cost and safety advantages of an immersed tunnel for the I-5 crossing. - Washington’s studded tire deadline is March 31
Drivers must remove studded tires by March 31 or face a $137 fine, with WSDOT urging early action due to busy service centers and no planned deadline extension. - VIDEO: WA diesel hits record $6.53, crushing truckers and school budgets
With diesel nearing $6.53 per gallon in Washington, trucking businesses and school districts now confront sharply higher fuel expenses affecting budgets and workers.
