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: An important reason to keep the I-5 freeway system toll-free
Sharon Nasset argues fuel tax sends 100% to transportation, while tolling sends only 60% of net funds. - Letter: Present bridge plan has been in the expensive and unworkable planning stage far too long with no real end in sight
Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues the I-5 Bridge plan doubles costs by including light rail on the span. - POLL: Should C-TRAN taxpayers be protected from paying additional costs tied to extending light rail to Library Square?
C-TRAN’s board asked IBR to extend light rail to Library Square but voted down taxpayer cost protections. - Weekday, weeknight, and weekend lane closures continue on southbound I-5 in Vancouver May 14–18
Kerr Contractors Oregon LLC will close up to three southbound I-5 lanes between NE 179th St and the I-5/I-205 split through May 18. - Plan ahead for Memorial Day travel: Expect delays on Washington’s busiest routes
WSDOT’s holiday travel charts map peak congestion windows on I-5, I-90, US 2, and the Canada border crossing.
