Another wave of improved pavement comes to southbound I-5 in Vancouver, with more to come in the years ahead

By Sarah Hannon-Nein

Great news for the saga of I-5 pavement replacement in Clark County! The infamous southbound I-5 pavement between 179th Street and the I-5/I-205 split has been a rough ride for a long time—but after a recent project, and more planned in the years ahead, we have updates about the highway that just keep on giving – or, in this case, cracking.

Aged-out I-5 pavement in Clark County

If you live in or travel through Clark County, you’re probably familiar with the bumpy surface between Ridgefield and the I-5/I-205 split. We put up Rough Road signs earlier this year. This stretch of highway includes 8,400 concrete panels which are 50 to 70 years old and past due for replacement, and well beyond their expected lifespan.

Left, uneven concrete panels with visible cracks and seams. Center, a large crack with discoloration from spilled fluids. Right, more cracks and surface damage, along with dark stains on the concrete.

These panels, which carry some of the highest traffic volumes in the state, are worn out, cracked and need repair or replacement. Working on thousands of panels takes time and money, so we're using multiple contracts over multiple years. With increased traffic and extreme weather, the panels fail faster each year, and we don't have enough funding to fix them as quickly as they are failing. With only about 40% of the funding needed to maintain our highway system, we have to make hard choices about what we can fix and when.

The good news!

WSDOT contractor crews spent this fall putting $2.3 million to use to address the “worst of the worst” panels and, by taking advantage of favorable materials cost, took care of over 80 panels instead of the 40-45 previously planned. Will you still notice a bumpy ride? Yes. But the panels in the roughest shape have been replaced! It’s a small, but important improvement.

Left, a worker uses a jackhammer near traffic cones and barriers. Center, a concrete mixer truck pours fresh concrete onto the road. Right, a close-up of finished concrete panels with visible grooves and seams.

What’s next?

Our next project is slotted for 2026 and while it will be a big challenge, it will bring a long-term solution for a smoother and safer drive. We'll also be doing something new in this stretch of highway to reduce traffic delays and keep costs low so we can fix more of the problem sooner.

Enter the crack, seat and overlay process.

In summer 2026, all southbound lanes and shoulders between 179th Street and the I-5/I-205 split will be paved with asphalt over the existing concrete panels. This marks a major step for this troubled section of I-5.

So why are we using asphalt instead of replacing all those concrete panels? Replacing every panel would be a never-ending project with a very high cost, meaning it would take more contracts and more years to complete as funding became available.

Here’s how the crack, seat and overlay process will work:

Crack: We start by cracking the old concrete panels. This is done using a machine that essentially breaks the concrete into smaller pieces. It looks like a small guillotine dropping a heavy weight onto the panels every few feet.

Seat: Once cracked, a large 35,000-pound steel compactor on wheels rolls over the broken pieces, pressing them down to make sure they’re firmly seated into the ground.

Overlay: We lay down a few inches of new asphalt, building it up gradually until we reach 9 inches. This slow layering is important to ensure the new overlay is packed in tightly, creating a smooth and durable driving surface.

This process will take time and every bit of dry weather we can get. Hopefully if funding can be identified in 2027, the work will continue between Ridgefield and 179th Street.

This isn’t a quick fix, and we’re looking at more years of work to finish repairing this stretch of I-5. Until then, you’ll still see Rough Road signs as we continue to do this work. We’re making progress–one crack at a time. Thank you for your patience while we work on this major improvement for Southwest Washington!

The makings of a PNW autumn include rain and returning salmon

By Olympic Region Communications

Some things in life you can set your watch to – assuming this is something people still do.

As The Byrds sang, “to everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season turn, turn, turn.” In the Pacific Northwest, that season change means our warm summers eventually fade to autumn. Rain begins to fall, filling our creeks and rivers.

There are other things you can count on in case that old Timex stops ticking: fish.

A chum run unlike any other in Chico Creek

In the waters of the Pacific Northwest fall also means fish runs. This time of year, we see salmon and other fish returning to streams to spawn and start the life cycle all over again. This year, though, we’re seeing something more: a lot of fish at streams where they haven’t been in years. We’ve heard from local communities, crews and co-workers who grew up here that it’s a chum run like they’ve never seen.

Salmon make their way upstream in Chico Creek under the new SR 3 bridge

In recent weeks, this was the case at Chico Creek in Kitsap County. The sight of salmon so thick in the creek brought tears to locals’ eyes.

We’re also happy to see the increased fish runs and to have played a part in their overall return. In many locations our fish passage projects replacing aging culverts that blocked fish migration have let fish swim more freely under state highways.

A team effort at Chico Creek

A case in point is Chico Creek near Bremerton. The restoration of Chico Creek has been decades in the making, led by Suquamish Tribe and Kitsap County. This work was preceded by multiple public projects in Chico Creek’s lower reaches that replaced old bridges with more fish-friendly designs, restored sections of stream bank and protected natural areas along Chico Creek, including Kitsap County’s 30-acre Erlands Point Park.

In 2021, we began a project to build a new bridge on State Route 3. We also began building a new 50-foot-long bridge on Chico Way Northwest. Fast forward to 2024, the project has now opened up nearly 22 miles of potential habitat for fish.

The new bridges now accommodate a rerouted Chico Creek, which flows away from two culverts and beneath the SR 3 bridge. The bridge on Chico Way removes a barrier to a nearby unnamed tributary, which feeds into Chico Creek. In other words, fish have more room and easier access.

Just as in-stream work wrapped up, the rains started to refill those creeks. Like clockwork, the fish have returned.

Salmon run at Chico Creek in October 2024

Our point is, it’s not just WSDOT projects that help restore salmon runs by correcting culverts that are barriers to fish. This particular watershed had, at one point, several barriers further upstream and a barrier downstream. It takes all of us working together to restore watersheds and fish runs.

Culverts under our highway may only be one part of the equation, but it is our duty and responsibility to play our part in restoring these habitats to a more natural state for local salmon. (It is also part of a federal court injunction for WSDOT barriers. Work like this project gets us another step closer to meeting those requirements).

24 for 24

It’s not just Chico Creek where progress is being made removing barriers to fish movement. In 2024, we opened 24 barriers to fish in seven western Washington counties: Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Mason.

We restored access to 76 miles of potential fish habitat. It’s a lot of work for crews. And it meant travelers had to endure detours, slowdowns and delays for this work. Here’s a snapshot of the work completed this year:

SR 16 and SR 302 Spur at Purdy Creek

In Pierce County, we are wrapping up a long-term project at Purdy Creek near Gig Harbor. We started working on SR 16 in fall of 2022 to remove a barrier under the highway. We built two 206-foot-long bridges to replace an outdated culvert. The project removed a second fish barrier under the SR 302 Spur, known locally as Purdy Drive, in 2023. We built a smaller bridge there to replace an outdated culvert. This portion of the project also included a shared-use path for people who walk and roll that was added at the request of the community.

Chum salmon in Purdy Creek at SR 16 in November 2024

SR 108 and US 101 in Mason and Thurston counties

This summer, crews removed barriers to fish at three locations under SR 108 near Kamilche, and under US 101 near the Mason/Thurston County line. The work on SR 108 included separate total closures of the highway in the Kamilche area most of July and August. It required a lengthy detour through US 101 at Mud Bay. On US 101, we kept people moving by reducing US 101 to one lane in each direction. We know detours can be frustrating, but this closure and detour allowed us to complete the overall work much faster, shortening the overall disruptions.

US 101 near Forks

In the Forks area, we started a project in the spring to remove fish barriers under US 101 at five locations. Four of them wrapped up mid-November. We will return in 2025 to complete work at the Wisen Creek site between Forks and Port Angeles. We replaced outdated culverts under the highway with a variety of structures. The most notable is an arch culvert located just south of the Clallam County line in Jefferson County. Our crews used approximately 9,000 bolts to put together the large metal structure.

In summer 2024, we built a large metal arch culvert to replace an outdated culvert under US 101 near Ruby Beach

SR 109 between Seabrook and Hoquiam

People traveling to Pacific Coast beaches this summer encountered multiple detours while crews removed five old culverts that hampered fish movement. Crews had to dig up the entire highway to install the new large concrete structures. These new structures now allow fish to swim under the highway more easily.

US 12 and SR 8 in Grays Harbor County

If you live along US 12/SR 8 in Grays Harbor County or took that route to the coast in the last year, you traveled through five fish passage sites between Olympia and Montesano. We started a project to remove barriers to fish there in fall 2023. While we still have some bridges to finish building, our contractor was able to get all stream work done this past summer. Originally, we expected the stream work to take two summers to complete. This means we will likely wrap up the project well before the end of 2025 as first expected.

Coho salmon swim through the new culvert under SR 8 east of McCleary

Making the highways more resilient

All of these projects built new bridges or installed larger culverts to replace the old culverts that blocked fish habitat. If you’re thinking to yourself, that’s a lot of new structures, we agree. But all of the culverts we are replacing were reaching the end of their useful life.

The new structures allow fish to swim freely under state highways and make our highways more resilient during floods and earthquakes. The new structures are built to current seismic standards. They also reduce flooding by allowing more water to flow under the highway. In turn, this reduces the need for emergency road closures and costly repairs from flood damage.

There is more work ahead in the coming years as we work towards meeting the 2013 federal court injunction.  

We know people had to alter their plans to accommodate the roadwork, and we’re very grateful for the cooperation in that. When you see fish returning to the streams, and you see the end result, we hope you share in the feeling that it’s worth the effort.

Knee replacement surgery but for bridges: Preserving the Chehalis River Bridge in Aberdeen

UPDATE: 10:35 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2024

The second closures of the H and G Street bridge ramps are now scheduled to happen on the same night in early January. The schedule will be announced once it is finalized.

UPDATE: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

The second closure of the H Street ramp to the bridge is now scheduled to occur from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 to 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

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By Angela Cochran

As people get older, we start to notice our bodies aren’t as nimble as they used to be. We start feeling aches and pains and even a little creaky in our knees.

This is also true of our bridges. As they age, parts start to wear down and need repair or replacement.

Think of bridge bearings like the joints in your body. They allow the bridge to move and flex with changes in temperature, traffic loads and even during natural events like windstorms. Just like our joints need to stay in good shape to keep us moving, bridge bearings are crucial for keeping a bridge functional.

Built in 1955, the Chehalis River Bridge connects people in north and south Aberdeen.

As the US 101 Chehalis River Bridge approaches its 70th year connecting north and south Aberdeen, important components are deteriorating and need replacing. Over the years, rocker bearings under the north side of the bridge have experienced wear and tear. Here’s why replacing them is important.

1. Safety First : Worn-out bearings can compromise the bridge's stability. Replacing them helps keep the bridge operational and open to travelers.
2. Preventing Damage : If bearings fail, it can lead to more severe damage to the bridge structure itself. Think of it like ignoring a bad knee—it might lead to bigger problems down the road.
3. Longevity : Replacing the bearings helps preserve the bridge and ensures it can continue serving the community for many more years to come.

What ’s happening

Work will take place under the H Street and G Street on the north side of the bridge.

The replacement process involves some careful planning and engineering. The good news is the bridge will remain open to travelers. People who use the bridge overnight will see some temporary changes to how they enter and exit the bridge. Crews will start work on Friday, Nov. 15 to raise the portion of the bridge over East State Street. During this time, the on-ramp from southbound US 101/H Street will close. Travelers will follow a signed detour via the West State Street ramp to get onto the bridge.

One of eight rocker bearings that will be replaced to keep the bridge in good working order.

The bearings are located inside of the bridge’s support columns or piers. The closure allows workers to lift the bridge slightly, less than an inch, and place temporary supports. For about three weeks, crews will work to remove the old bearings and install new ones. During this time, East State Street will close around the clock under the bridge where crews are working.

Once work is complete under H Street, crews will close it again to lower the bridge back to its original position. Then the process will be repeated under northbound US 101/G Street. The G Street exit from the bridge will close twice while we raise and lower that section. People will use the West State Street exit ramp during those times.

Closure schedule

The southbound US 101/H Street ramp to the Chehalis River Bridge will close:

• 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15

The northbound Chehalis River Bridge ramp to US 101/G Street will close:

• 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 to 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7

Be sure to check our app and statewide travel map to get real-time closure information before heading out the door.

Preservation funding challenges

This bridge bearing replacement project is one of 11 preservation projects statewide that were funded in 2024 by the State Legislature. Preservation projects aren’t about building new infrastructure – they help extend the useful life of an asset, such as a bridge. Every asset has a lifespan, and for bridges, that is an average of 75 years. Many of our bridges are either approaching the end of their lifespan or are even well over it. Fully funding our preservation backlog of $1 billion would greatly reduce emergent repairs to our transportation system.

In the meantime, our dedicated bridge maintenance crews continue to take innovative steps to keep this bridge and others operational for as long as possible.

So, next time you travel over the Chehalis River Bridge, think about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps it in shape. It's all about keeping our infrastructure safe, reliable, and ready for the future.

Progress on Northeast 85th Street and upcoming full closure

By Julie Moon

Since breaking ground in fall 2023, significant progress has been made on the I-405/Northeast 85th Street and Inline BRT Station Project including:

• replacement of a city watermain in Kirkland,
• construction of future Interstate 405 bridge approaches, and
• installation of bridge foundations and columns.

Crews are preparing for a full weekend closure of Northeast 85th Street this November. Crews will set bridge girders up to 156 feet long over Northeast 85th Street for the new southbound I-405 bridge. The bridge girders for the northbound I-405 bridge will be scheduled for installation in 2025.

Bridge girders are concrete beams that support the driving surface and are a main structural component of a bridge. There are 16 bridge girders that will support the future I-405 bridges over Northeast 85th Street. This complex work requires a weekend closure to help keep construction workers and the public safe.

Example of crews setting bridge girders.

Upcoming full closure details

Northeast 85th Street between Kirkland Way/114th Avenue Northeast and 120th Avenue Northeast will be closed in both directions beginning 11 p.m. Friday, November 15 to 4 a.m. Monday, November 18. Crews will begin reducing lanes as early as 9 p.m. The I-405 on- and off-ramps from Northeast 85th Street will also be closed.

Signed detours will be in place for travelers. The detour maps for the closures can be found by clicking on the links below:

• Northeast 85th Street vehicle detour routes (The linked image shows map of the vehicular detour route during the Northeast 85th Street closure. Eastbound travelers will take Sixth Street Southeast, Northeast 68th Place and 120th Avenue Northeast to continue onto eastbound Northeast 85th Street. Westbound travelers will use 120th Avenue Northeast, Northeast 68th Place, and Sixth Street Southeast to continue onto westbound Northeast 85th Street.
• Northeast 85th Street pedestrian and cyclist detour routes (The linked image shows map of the pedestrian and cyclist route during the Northeast 85th street closure. Eastbound travelers will use the crosswalk at Kirkland Way/114th Avenue Northeast if needed, turn right to go south on the pedestrian path near the southbound I-405 on-ramp, keep left to go south on 116th Avenue Northeast, turn left to go east over the pedestrian bridge, turn left to go east on Northeast 80th Street, and turn left to go north on 120th Avenue Northeast. Westbound travelers will turn left to go south on 120th Avenue Northeast, turn right to go west on Northeast 80th Street, turn right to go over the pedestrian bridge, turn right to go north on 116th Avenue Northeast, keep right to continue north on the pedestrian path near the southbound I-405 on-ramp, and use the crosswalk at Kirkland Way/114th Avenue Northeast if needed.)
• Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp closure detour routes (The linked image shows map of the detour route for the northbound I-405 on-ramp closure from Northeast 85th Street. Eastbound travelers will take Central Way, Sixth Street South, and use the on-ramp at 116th Avenue Northeast. Westbound travelers will take 124th Avenue Northeast and use the on-ramp at Northeast 124th Street.)
• Northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street closure detour routes (The linked image shows map of the detour route for the northbound I-405 off-ramp closure from Northeast 85th Street. Northbound I-405 travelers will take Exit 20A and 124th Avenue Northeast to get back onto Northeast 85th Street.)
• Northeast 85th Street to southbound I-405 on-ramp closure detour routes (The linked image shows map of the detour route for the southbound I-405 on-ramp closure from Northeast 85th Street. Southbound I-405 travelers from eastbound Northeast 85th Street will take Sixth Street Southeast, Northeast 68th Place, and use the on-ramp at Northeast 70th Street. Southbound I-405 travelers from westbound Northeast 85th Street will take 120th Avenue Northeast and use the on-ramp at Northeast 70th Street.)
• Southbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street closure detour routes (The linked image shows map of the detour route for the southbound I-405 off-ramp closure from Northeast 85th Street. Southbound I-405 travelers going eastbound Northeast 85th Street will take Exit 17, Northeast 70th Street, and 120th Avenue Northeast to get on Northeast 85th Street. Southbound I-405 travelers going westbound will take Exit 17, Northeast 68th Place, and Sixth Street Southeast to get on Central Way.)

Full closure of Northeast 85th Street and I-405 on- and off-ramps.

Expect increased congestion and plan for additional travel time during these weekends. Use alternate routes and travel during off-peak hours. Details and updates of the full closure will be posted on the project webpage. The schedule is subject to change due to the nature of construction.

New lane alignment on Northeast 85th Street until spring 2025

Earlier this summer, crews restriped, set up barriers and shifted traffic on Northeast 85th Street to create space for a construction work zone. We expect this lane configuration to be in place until mid-2025.

Current lane alignment on Northeast 85th Street to create work area in the center of the road. 

Looking ahead

The next major construction on the project will include a new lane alignment. In February, drivers will start using the new permanent I-405 bridges over Northeast 85th Street. The new northbound and southbound lanes will be to the outside of the existing lanes. Those older inside lanes will later be demolished. In the future, direct-access and inline BRT stations will be built where the old lanes were. The new bridges will be twice as long as the old bridges. This allows them to span the new middle level roadways and all the general lanes on Northeast 85th Street.

Adjusting to traffic changes takes time, so it's important to stay focused on the road and mindful of the drivers around you. Please ensure your full attention is dedicated to driving to maintain safety for everyone on the road.

Check out the WSDOT real-time travel map for up-to-date information. If you have any questions and/or you would like to sign up for project updates, please email I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov. Stay informed by subscribing to WSDOT updates for King County.