Weekend Traffic From Marysville Into Everett To Get Squeezed

They call it the SnoCoSqueeze and it will definitely affect drivers coming south on I-5 from Marysville into Everett beginning tomorrow. Work on replacing faulty expansion joints on southbound I-5 has been postponed for the past three weeks due to weather. That all changes tomorrow and here’s what drivers need to know from WSDOT…

After three weekends of (very) wet weather and delayed expansion joint work on southbound Interstate 5 near Marysville, the Washington State Department of Transportation has developed a new plan to take advantage of dry weather for restriping and weekend work.

The new plan means drivers should expect three narrow lanes and a reduced speed limit starting the morning of Friday, March 18. If the forecast calls for rain on Sunday night, the three narrow lanes and reduced speed limit will remain in place until another dry night occurs for restriping work.

“Drivers need to stay engaged as the forecast unfolds for this weather-dependent striping work,” said WSDOT Traffic Engineer Mike Swires. “The southbound I-5 commute out of Marysville will take longer than normal as long as the lanes are narrowed and the speed limit reduced, so drivers should plan accordingly.”

Narrowed lanes and reduced speed limit weekdays on southbound I-5

• Southbound I-5 will still have three lanes, but with narrower widths on the southbound Steamboat Slough bridge.
• The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.
• Three narrowed lanes will be reduced to one narrowed lane overnight Friday, March 18, into early Saturday morning, March 19, as crews place a safety barrier.
• The narrow lanes and reduced speed limits may remain in place for several days/weeks
• If rain falls Sunday night, three narrow lanes with the 45 mph speed limit will remain in place until a dry weather window allows for restriping.

Weekend lane reductions

• Two narrow lanes will remain open Saturday morning through Sunday night as contractor crews replace expansion joints.
• Only one lane will be open Sunday night through 4 a.m. Monday, March 21 while crews remove the safety barrier.

Why weekend closures are necessary
Eight weekends worth of work will give crews the space and time they need to replace aging and deteriorating expansion joints in both directions of I-5 on the Steamboat Slough and Ebey Slough bridges.

Due to the size of the joints, they need to be replaced during weekends to allow enough time to chip out the old concrete, remove the existing joints, install the new ones, pour new concrete and let it cure.

WSDOT needs your help to keep traffic moving
WSDOT estimates even if 30 percent of drivers find other ways to travel through the area during the weekend, there will still be major backups and delays on I-5. Many regional highways will also see increased congestion as drivers find ways around the I-5 work zone. Drivers are asked to consider traveling early or late in the day when volumes are lighter.

Helping you through the backups
Start to plan your weekend commute strategies now:

• A new Snohomish County traffic map is available online with real time traffic cameras and travel times.
• Weekend travel updates will be available on the WSDOT Blog.
• WSDOT’s mobile app offers information for travelers on the go.
• @wsdot_traffic will provide updates about this project using the hashtag #SnoCoSqueeze
• The What’s Happening Now page chronicles closures and issues affecting travelers.
• Consider carpooling and other commute and travel choices