Drivers in DuPont, Washington, are set to experience improved commuting conditions with the upcoming enhancements to the Interstate 5 interchange, slated to open in mid-January 2024, weather permitting. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that the upgrade includes the introduction of a new roundabout and is part of a larger I-5 corridor improvement project scheduled for completion in late 2026.
The new exit 119 to Steilacoom-DuPont Road will alter existing traffic patterns, directing vehicles bound for DuPont through a newly constructed roundabout. Traffic traveling towards Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) will be rerouted over a new overpass. Once operational, this overpass will facilitate traffic moving from DuPont to JBLM and northbound on I-5, while the existing overpass will be restricted to traffic traveling from JBLM to DuPont or southbound on I-5.
Project Details and Timeline
The new overpass is anticipated to be operational by spring 2026, featuring a diverging diamond interchange that will allow for two-way traffic. This upgrade will also include enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access between DuPont and JBLM, addressing the needs of all road users.
In preparation for the new infrastructure, the current overpass will be demolished. This demolition will necessitate overnight lane closures, which will be announced by WSDOT in advance. The entire project is set to conclude in late summer 2026, introducing new high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes between Mounts Road and Gravelly Lake Drive.
The I-5 Mounts Road to Thorne Lake Corridor Improvements project, which carries a budget of approximately $240 million, has already seen the addition of HOV and auxiliary lanes, as well as modernization of nearby interchanges. These improvements aim to enhance traffic flow and safety along this vital transportation corridor.
As these upgrades move forward, the community in and around DuPont can look forward to a more efficient commuting experience, ultimately contributing to a reduction in travel time and increased accessibility across the region.
