Residents and travelers in Vancouver should be aware of upcoming road closures affecting the southbound I-205 entrance from I-5. Starting Friday night, May 29, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close the entrance ramp from southbound I-5 to Exit 7 for southbound I-205. This closure is part of a pavement repair project utilizing the ‘crack, seat and overlay’ method.
This method involves breaking up the existing concrete pavement, pressing it into place to form a solid base, and then adding new layers of asphalt to create a smooth driving surface. The full closure of this section allows crews to complete the repairs more efficiently, minimizing the impact and delays for drivers.
Closure Details
The closure will be in effect from 10 p.m. on Friday, May 29, until 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 31. During this time, the ramp from southbound I-5 to southbound I-205 at Exit 7 will be completely closed. Additionally, all southbound lanes of I-205 between the I-5/I-205 split and Exit 36 for Northeast 134th Street will be closed. However, all lanes and ramps south of Exit 36, including the Northeast 134th Street on-ramp to southbound I-205, will remain open.
During construction, the nighttime speed limit on southbound I-5 through the work zone will be reduced from 70 mph to 55 mph. Drivers should anticipate delays and potential backups, particularly when traffic is reduced to a single lane.
Smart Work Zone System
To enhance safety and reduce delays, a temporary smart work zone system with zipper merging will be implemented. This system provides drivers with real-time traffic information before they enter the work zone.
The paving work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if necessary. Once the project is completed in late summer 2026, the ‘Rough Road’ signs between Northeast 179th Street and I-205 will be removed.
Stay Informed
Travelers can access real-time travel information through the WSDOT mobile app, the real-time travel map, or by signing up for email updates and alerts.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
