Weekend daytime lane closures on southbound I-5 Nisqually River Bridge May 2-3

Travelers will see weekend daytime lane closures on southbound Interstate 5 approaching the Nisqually River Bridge, the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on Monday.

From 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, southbound I-5 will be reduced to two lanes.

The lane closure creates a work zone for WSDOT maintenance crews to clean the bridge. Crews use a specialized under bridge inspection truck to clean above and below the bridge deck. The work is performed during daylight hours for safety, a news release from the WSDOT stated.

Travelers may see congestion approaching the work zone, especially during late morning hours.

This work was originally scheduled in March and was rescheduled due to spring storms.

Cleaning bridges improves the efficiency of WSDOT's bridge inspection program and helps prevent deterioration.

Whenever near work zones, residents are instructed to:

-Slow down - drive the posted speeds, they're there for everyone's safety.

-Be kind - workers are out there helping to keep everyone safe and improve the roadways.

-Pay attention - both to workers directing traffic and to fellow travelers.

-Stay calm - expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates about work on state roads and facilities in Thurston County at https://tinyurl.com/4eemb56r.

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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 11:23 AM.