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:
- As summer days approach more construction comes to area roadways
A worker was struck and thrown 20 feet by a distracted driver in a Clark County work zone last summer. - Opinion: Transportation officials may be pivoting as costs explode on interstate bridge replacement
Rail’s share of the I-5 bridge budget may be far larger than the 14% figure officials are citing. - Opinion: IBR program’s $13-17 billion fraud and mismanagement, perpetuated by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek
Gary Clark argues IBR hid a $17B cost estimate from lawmakers while spending up to $280M with no public benefit. - Opinion: The IBR shell game for TriMet at Ruby Junction
IBR allocates $320M for a TriMet maintenance facility 20 miles from the actual bridge project. - Washington and Oregon transportation commissions discuss tolling options
I-5 tolls could range from $1.55 to $4.70 depending on the plan, with final rates set in late 2027.
