Replacing deteriorating highway panels in Tacoma will require the Washington State Department of Transportation to reduce I-5 to one lane from 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 through 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 and again from 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 through noon (12 p.m.) Sunday, August 21.

WSDOT is replacing damaged roadway panels on a four-mile section of southbound I-5 located approximately from 56th to 96th streets in Tacoma.

“Maintenance costs and hours on this stretch of I-5 have been increasing over the years,” said Howard Diep, project engineer. “Maintenance crews have patched failures approximately 12 times in the past seven months (once every two-and-one-half weeks). These were only temporary repairs, filling voids in the roadway with cold patching material.

“When needed, these emergency I-5 repairs are risky for our employees and the traveling public,” Diep added. “The emergency lane closures have often been during busy commute hours and led to accidents and frustrated motorists.”

WSDOT advises motorists traveling southbound on I-5 and eastbound on SR 16 over the weekend of Aug. 19 – 21 to heed advice they will hear on highway advisory radio and read on variable message signs (VMS).

“We will have more than 20 signs out in King and Pierce counties telling people about the work ahead. And a significant number of detour signs will be on the highways and along our suggested alternate routes.”

All work is weather dependent. In the event of significant rain forecast, the work will be rescheduled. The decision to postpone will be made 24 hours prior to working hours.