Interstate 5 travelers passing through DuPont over the upcoming weekend should anticipate substantial congestion, with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recommending an additional hour for travel plans. On Friday and Saturday nights, April 11 and 12, road crews will narrow both directions of I-5 to a single lane. Traffic will be rerouted via the Steilacoom-DuPont Road off- and on-ramps during this time.
Law enforcement will be present to assist in managing traffic. The construction involves installing massive girders, each 170 feet long and weighing approximately 206,000 pounds, as part of the overpass and diverging diamond interchange replacement project.
For those traveling on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, here’s the closure schedule:
- 8 p.m. – Initiation of I-5 lane closures.
- 10 p.m. – I-5 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction, with traffic detoured through the Steilacoom-DuPont Road exit 119 ramps.
- 6 a.m. – Gradual reopening of lanes.
Additionally, the Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. to facilitate girder installation, with travelers following designated detours.
During the overnight closure of the Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass, northbound I-5 travelers needing to access exit 119 will be directed to 41st Division Drive, with a return route to southbound I-5 to exit 119. Travelers on Steilacoom-DuPont Road wishing to head northbound on I-5 will detour to southbound I-5 to exit 118 at Center Drive and then return northbound. Emergency vehicles will maintain access to the Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass.
The Bottom Line
The upcoming construction on I-5 may significantly affect travel plans for those in the DuPont area, with potential delays impacting commute times. Travelers are advised to consider alternative routes or adjust their schedules to accommodate the additional travel time recommended by WSDOT.
For the local community, the improvements to the overpass and diverging diamond interchange are expected to enhance traffic flow and safety in the long term. However, in the short term, residents might face challenges with detours and increased travel times, highlighting the need for patience and adaptability during the construction period.