Woodland, WA — Truckers heading north on Interstate 5 will face up to 90 minutes of delay as Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins a 50‑day rehabilitation of the North Fork Lewis River Bridge starting July 22.

The North Fork Lewis River Bridge sits just east of Woodland and carries the main freight artery for the Pacific Northwest. When the deck cracks and expansion joints fail, the entire corridor can grind to a halt, affecting both local deliveries and long‑haul runs. The project, which includes a polyester concrete overlay, aims to extend the bridge’s life and improve safety for the 8,000‑plus vehicles that cross daily.

Southbound I‑5 will see its three lanes narrowed to two, creating a bottleneck that can push travel times by as much as 90 minutes. WSDOT has installed directional signs that urge non‑local and freight traffic to stay on I‑5 and avoid detours onto city and county roads, which could experience even longer hold‑ups. Janet Matkin, WSDOT’s communications manager for Rail, Freight, and Ports, warned that trucks attempting to use Green Mountain Road have ended up stuck in residential yards because the road lacks the clearance and width required for heavy vehicles.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators must plan for a 30‑minute to 1‑hour delay on southbound I‑5, especially during peak hours. The lane reduction forces vehicles to merge earlier than usual, increasing the risk of rear‑end collisions. Fleet managers should adjust delivery windows by at least 45 minutes to accommodate the slowdown and avoid violating FMCSA regulations on on‑time performance. Trucking companies hiring for OTR routes will need to notify drivers of the detour and provide GPS updates to keep the convoy moving efficiently.

Industry Reaction

While the source article does not quote specific carriers, the broader trucking community has expressed concerns over the extended closure. Many dispatchers are already exploring alternative routes through neighboring towns to keep schedules on track. Driver advocacy groups emphasize that clear signage and real‑time traffic updates are essential to minimize the impact on freight schedules and safety.

Key Points

• Southbound I‑5 reduced from three to two lanes near the North Fork Lewis River Bridge.
• Project duration: 50 days, starting July 22 and ending mid‑September.
• Potential delays up to 90 minutes for heavy vehicles.
• Detour advisory: avoid Green Mountain Road; stay on I‑5 via posted signs.

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