If you are planning to go south on I-5 this weekend, better read this

From the Washington State Department of Transportation

Winter weather means summer pothole patrol on Ship Canal Bridge

When the mercury drops below 30 degrees, the concrete on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge actually freezes and contracts. This wouldn’t be such a big deal, except that when the warmer weather rolls around and the concrete expands, the “freeze, thaw, and repeat” process can create some pretty big potholes on the bridge deck. Not fun for summer drivers heading over the water.

WSDOT bridge maintenance specialists to the rescue!

This weekend on Saturday, July 17, and Sunday, July 18, early-morning maintenance crews will close two out of four southbound lanes on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge starting at 3 am. The unavoidably noisy work will begin at 4 am. Traffic should be ready to roll on all four lanes when they reopen the full roadway at 9 am. The northbound lanes are scheduled to be patched up next weekend, July 24 – 25.

Paving and repairs close the I-5 express lanes ramp to Lake City Way this weekend

Although close in proximity, these repairs are not related to the Ship Canal Bridge roadway rescue work.