All lanes of travel across the northbound span of the bridge near Woodland were reopened at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday
WOODLAND – People who travel along northbound Interstate 5 near the Clark and Cowlitz county lines will now get a reprieve from peak travel backups and delays.
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s contractor, M.J. Hughes Construction, Inc., finished critical structural repairs on the I-5 North Fork Lewis River Bridge ahead of schedule and reopened all lanes of travel across the northbound span at 6:30 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 18.
Critical bridge preservation work completed this year included deck repairs and modifying expansion joints, which helps extend the usable life of the structure.
Travelers will now experience fewer unplanned emergency lanes closures which were needed to repair holes in the bridge. Heavy truck traffic will no longer need to shift to the center lane to cross the bridge.
We understand this work was disruptive to the community and we appreciate your patience while we made critical repairs to keep this bridge open and safe for the traveling public.
Looking ahead to 2024
Warm temperatures and dry conditions are needed for the final phase of this construction project which includes installation of a polyester concrete overlay. Once installed in summer 2024, the overlay will provide a smoother ride and increase the durability of the bridge deck. Crews will utilize nighttime double lane closures to complete this work. In the interim, travelers may experience a rough ride over the bridge.
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:
- POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - WA and OR scale back I-5 Bridge ambitions as cost balloons
A $14.4 billion price tag prompts Washington and Oregon leaders to delay portions of the I-5 bridge project and prioritize just the main spans. - Letter: ‘Now we have Engineer Bob telling us the I-5 Bridge needs replacing because it is built on shifting sand with wooden structures’
Amboy resident Thomas Schenk critiques Democrat leadership, tax policies, and the addition of light rail to the I-5 Bridge, while urging Republican voters to participate more in midterm elections. - The I-5 Bridge is vulnerable to collapse, but apparently not that vulnerable
State leaders and Vancouver’s mayor warn about bridge safety, but insist it’s safe enough for daily use as they focus on moving forward with a costly replacement including light rail—despite decades of public resistance. - Opinion: ‘This is not the best and most efficient use of the taxpayers’ funds’
Ken Vance critiques the announced $14.4 billion I-5 Bridge replacement, questioning funding gaps, the insistence on light rail, unaddressed congestion, and transparency from state officials.
