DUPONT, Wash. — Northbound I-5 will be down to a single lane in DuPont this weekend, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Contract crews working for WSDOT will make emergency repairs on the interstate from Center Drive to Steilacoom-DuPont Road. The department is warning backups could be over ten miles long.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to avoid optional travel through the construction zone, carpool and consolidate trips. Those who must travel through the area are asked to expect long delays and to top off their gas tanks before leaving. Drivers are also encouraged to have emergency kits in their vehicles.
All lanes are expected to be back open by Sunday afternoon.
"Closing Interstate 5 and multiple ramps like this during daytime hours is not something we take lightly," said WSDOT Olympic Region Maintenance Manager, Matt Beattie. "The recent freezing and thawing of this section of I-5 has led to a significant breakdown of the roadway surface," he added.
Several potholes covering approximately two miles of I-5 have formed in two northbound lanes in the between exits 118 and 119. During recent cold weather, water made its way into the roadway's surface and froze, which caused the asphalt to expand and fall apart.
Temporary fixes to the potholes aren't holding, requiring more permanent repairs. The size and number of potholes is also increasing, making it crucial for crews to make fixes to the roadway amid drier, slightly warmer weather.
WSDOT encourages drivers to check travel times before leaving on the department's app or Twitter page.
