Project overview
On Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, an over height load was traveling northbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the northbound span of Koontz Road overpass, located between milepost 69.35-69.48, in Lewis County.
Following the bridge strike, WSDOT bridge crews assessed the damage and determined that the outer girder that faces northbound traffic, as well as the bridge mounted sign bracket for the overhead sign, would need to be replaced. For the safety of travelers, since the bridge strike, traffic along the overpass was reduced down to a single lane, with travelers taking turns alternating through a single lane in either direction.
Beginning on Monday, Sept. 18, contractor crews with the Selby Bridge Company, Inc., will begin the work to remove and replace the damaged bridge girder and sign bracket, improving safety and fully restoring this vital connection between communities on the east and west sides of the interstate in Lewis County.
What to expect
During the construction phase, the Koontz Road overpass will be temporarily inaccessible to all travelers until the conclusion of 2023.
Due to the demolition and bridge girder placement activities taking place directly above the northbound lanes of I-5, for the safety of all travelers, the northbound lanes of I-5 at the Koontz Road overpass will be fully closed, and travelers will follow a clearly marked detour. Additionally, occasional single lane closures will be necessary to install the containment structure required for the demolition work.
Overnight single and full lane closures of northbound I-5 are scheduled as follows:
- Monday, Sept. 25 and continuing nightly through mid-October: Travelers on northbound I-5 will encounter intermittent nighttime single lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
During the full overnight closures of northbound I-5, travelers will follow a signed detour: All travelers along northbound I-5 will detour at Exit 68 for West Avery Road, then onto eastbound US 12 to Jackson Highway, then onto SR 508 where travelers will enter back onto northbound I-5.
We remind all travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for potential delays when encountering both single and complete lane closures.
On Nov. 14, 2021, and over height load was traveling northbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the Koontz Road overpass bridge, located between mileposts 69.35-69.48, in Lewis County. In Sept. 2023, contractor crews working for WSDOT will work to remove and replace the damaged bridge girder, restoring full access along this overpass.
