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:
- Letter: ‘Something is wrong when our vote means nothing’
Bob Zak challenges the political handling of the I-5 Bridge project and urges voters to demand accountability. - IBR only has single firm interested in managing the project to replace I-5 BridgeRep. John Ley reports on serious concerns with the I-5 Bridge replacement project, including limited contractor interest, rising tolls, and a 15-year timeline.
- Busy pavement season ahead on Vancouver streets
The city of Vancouver is set to repave and preserve 76 lane miles across 20 neighborhoods in summer 2025, with ADA upgrades and community notices throughout. - State representative: Expect sticker shock when Interstate Bridge project officials reveal price, tolling plansAt a town hall in Battle Ground, Rep. John Ley warned of major cost increases and tolling burdens tied to the Interstate Bridge replacement project.
- Opinion: Washington state lawmakers increase the cost of driving – againBob Pishue of Mountain States Policy Center argues that new vehicle and fuel taxes in Washington will raise driving costs while diverting funds away from roads.
