Concrete panel replacement work returns July 25

VANCOUVER – Nighttime Interstate 5 and I-205 travelers in Southwest Washington should plan for extra work zones and additional travel time this summer.

Starting Tuesday, July 25, Washington State Department of Transportation’s contactor, Granite Construction, will resume concrete panel replacement work to create a safer and less stressful drive on both I-5 and I-205 in the Vancouver area.

Following construction in summer 2022, it was discovered that additional panels on both highways needed replacement. Because this work is weather dependent, contractor crews waited until the next dry season to restart construction.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we finally get to repair this rough patch of roadway,” said Project Engineer Mike Briggs. “Once the work is complete, travelers can look forward to a smoother, safer ride through Clark County.”

What to expect during construction

Beginning Tuesday, July 25, up to three lanes may be closed from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. at:

• Southbound I-5 from Northeast 179th Street to I-205.
• Both directions of I-205 between the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge and I-5.

During the closures, contractor crews will remove deteriorating concrete panels, pour new concrete and allow time for the concrete to cure. This process helps extend the useful life of the roadway while providing a level and even driving surface. As this work is weather dependent, it may be rescheduled at any time. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone to improve safety for crews and the traveling public.

The $7 million project is scheduled for completion this fall. As part of the project, contractor crews recently finished rehabilitating joints on several bridges on I-205.

Additional concrete panel replacement work will be scheduled for years to come to address aging and wear and tear on I-5 throughout Southwest Washington.

For traffic updates and construction schedules throughout the summer, sign up to receive email/text updates. Know before you go before leaving the house with the WSDOT real-time travel map or the WSDOT mobile app.