Starting Friday night, a WSDOT contactor will close the entrance ramp from southbound I-5 to Exit 7 for southbound I-205 for pavement repair work using the “crack, seat and overlay” method

VANCOUVER – Travelers who use southbound Interstate 5 to access I-205 in Vancouver should plan to use a different route.

Starting Friday night, May 29, Washington State Department of Transportation contactor, Kerr Contractors Oregon, LLC, will close the entrance ramp from southbound I-5 to Exit 7 for southbound I-205 for pavement repair work using the “crack, seat and overlay” method.

This process breaks up the old concrete pavement, presses it into place to create a strong base, then adds new layers of asphalt on top to create a smooth driving surface. By fully closing this section of highway, crews can repair more roadway in less time while reducing impacts and delays for travelers.

What to expectFrom 10 p.m., Friday night, May 29 to 10 a.m., Sunday morning, May 31

• The ramp from southbound I-5 to southbound I-205 at Exit 7 will fully close.
• All southbound I-205 lanes between the I-5/I-205 split and Exit 36 for Northeast 134th Street will close.
• All lanes and ramps south of Exit 36 for Northeast 134th Street will remain open, including the Northeast 134th Street on-ramp to southbound I-205.

During construction, the nighttime speed limit on southbound I-5 through the work zone will be reduced from 70 mph down to 55 mph. Travelers should expect delays and backups, especially when traffic is reduced to a single lane.

Smart work zone systemTo help reduce delays and improve safety, crews will use a temporary smart work zone system with zipper merging through the work zone. This system gives drivers real-time traffic information before they reach the work zone.

Paving work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled at any time. Once work wraps up in late summer 2026, crews will remove the “Rough Road” signs between Northeast 179th Street and I-205.

Know before you goGet real-time travel information via the WSDOT mobile app, the real-time travel map, or by signing up for email updates and alerts.