Significant delays expected on northbound I-5 near La Center for emergency bridge repairs

Date: Thursday, July 6, 2023

Travelers should expect up to 12 hours of delays on northbound Interstate 5 near La Center due to the closure of a lane for bridge maintenance, prompting the need for off-peak travel and caution from drivers. File photo

On Fri., July 7, Washington State Department of Transportation’s bridge maintenance crews will close a single lane along the northbound span of the East Fork Lewis River

LA CENTER – Travelers heading northbound on Interstate 5 near La Center should plan for up to 12 hours of delays through the La Center and Ridgefield area later this week.

On Friday, July 7, Washington State Department of Transportation’s bridge maintenance crews will close a single lane along the northbound span of the East Fork Lewis River, located approximately three miles south of Woodland near milepost 18.21, in Clark County, to install steel plates beneath the right travel lane of the bridge deck.

What to expect:

Friday, July 7, the right lane of northbound I-5 and right shoulder will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., reducing three travel lanes down to two lanes along the bridge.
Travelers should plan travel during off-peak hours to avoid delays.

Installing these steel plates will strengthen the bridge and prevent weight restrictions for freight travel until permanent repairs can be made.

To ensure the safety of everyone, it is important for drivers to remain attentive, reduce their speed, and, when possible, provide road crews with ample space by changing lanes.