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I-5 project to close lanes in Snohomish, Skagit counties for 2 years

A new project on I-5 between Skagit and Snohomish counties could cause 30-minute delays for the next two years.
File photo from Getty ThinkStock

Drivers should expect lane closures and delays on Interstate 5 between Arlington and Conway for the next two years.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will begin the two-year-long project on a 10 mile stretch of I-5 between Skagit and Snohomish counties on July 16.

Crews from WSDOT will replace and repair damaged concrete on both sides of the interstate to preserve the roadway and make the freeway smoother.

“Some of this is the original concrete from 1959 when I-5 was extended through the area,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Shane Spahr. “We are replacing nearly 400 concrete panels and grinding an additional 18,000 to eliminate wheel ruts which can collect water and reduce traction.”

Travelers can expect lane, ramp, and sidewalk closures. Occasional ramp closures will happen as crews pave 16 on-and-off-ramps. However, WSDOT says no two consecutive ramps will be closed at the same time.

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In addition to the ramp closures, I-5 will be reduced to one lane overnight, with the exception of Friday nights.

Over 85,000 people use this section of I-5 every day. The project will cost $21.5 million with a scheduled completion date in the spring of 2020.

WSDOT estimates that travelers should expect delays of 30 minutes or less during the roadwork period.

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