Online open house gives overview of changes coming to I-5 at Steilacoom-DuPont Road

Learn about I-5 HOV lane expansion, safety improvements between DuPont and JBLM

DUPONT – Travelers who use Interstate 5 near DuPont and Joint Base Lewis-McChord will want to plan ahead and stay engaged.

A three-year project is now underway on I-5 at Steilacoom-DuPont Road that will bring upgrades to a section of the interstate that sees on average over 140,000 vehicles a day.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has created an online open house and blog where people can get an overview of the project which include:

  • Expanding HOV lanes on northbound I-5 from Mounts Road to 41st Division Drive
  • Extending the southbound I-5 HOV lane to Center Drive.
  • A new Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass that spans I-5 and railroad tracks.

The online open house will also provide important resources for travelers to help plan ahead and stay informed during construction.

I-5 Mounts Rd to Steilacoom-DuPont Rd Corridor Improvements online open house information

When: Aug. 31, 2023 through project completion

Where: engage.wsdot.wa.gov/i-5-mounts-to-steilacoom-dupont-rd/

Access for participation

The open house is available every day, 24 hours a day. Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house/meeting:

  • DuPont Pierce County Library: 1540 Wilmington Drive, DuPont
  • Steilacoom Library: 2950 Steilacoom Blvd., Steilacoom

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Work zone safety

With approximately five miles of I-5 in Pierce County under construction, travelers are encouraged to:

  • Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for safety.
  • Be kind – workers are out there helping to keep people safe and improve the roadways.
  • Pay attention – both to workers directing traffic and other; do not use a phone when behind the wheel.
  • Stay calm – add more travel time, leave early; no meeting or appointment is worth risking someone's life.

166,800 electric vehicle

registrations in Washington in 2023, up from 114,600 in 2022.

87 wetland compensation sites

actively monitored on 918 acres in 2023.

25,000 safe animal crossings

in the Snoqualmie Pass East Project area since 2014.