VANCOUVER – Travelers who use southbound Interstate 5 in Vancouver should plan for significant delays and backups.
Starting Thursday, May 14, the Washington State Department of Transportation contactor Kerr Contractors Oregon LLC will close up to three lanes on southbound I-5 between Northeast 179th Street and the I-5/I-205 split to continue repair and paving work using a “crack, seat and overlay” method.
During the lane closures, crews will use a heavy machine to break the old concrete into smaller pieces. Then they press those pieces down to create a solid base. Next, they’ll add four layers of asphalt, each about 2 inches thick, to create a smooth, durable driving surface. By closing multiple lanes and using this method, crews can repair more of the roadway more quickly while reducing costs and minimizing traffic impacts.
What to expect
Thursday night, May 14 to Friday, May 15
- From 9 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: Traffic reduced to a single lane overnight.
Friday night, May 15 to Saturday, May 16
- From 9 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Traffic reduced to a single lane overnight.
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
- From 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Two lanes open during the day.
- From 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Traffic reduced to a single lane overnight.
Monday, May 18
- All travel lanes reopen to their normal configuration.
During construction, the speed limit will be reduced from 70 mph down to 55 mph and down again to 45 mph through the work zone. Travelers should expect delays and backups, especially when traffic is reduced to a single lane.
Smart work zone system To 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 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.
