I-5 Tumwater to Mounts Road Corridor Study

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Study Purpose

In collaboration with TRPC and local partners, WSDOT is studying transportation system performance on I-5 through Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey. The study area extends from the SR 121/93rd Avenue SE/Tilley Road Interchange in Tumwater to Mounts Road just east of the Nisqually River. This segment of highway travels through Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey and is a major freight and commuter corridor. This section of I-5 experiences congestion, recurring delay, and unreliable travel times. Multiple factors contribute to these issues such as traffic volumes and merging at interchanges. WSDOT's goal is to recommend a set of performance-based strategies to achieve the following outcomes in the study area over the next 20 years:

  • Improve travel times and make them more predictable
  • Increase the ability of I-5 to efficiently and equitably move people and goods
  • Improve access to industrial and commercial areas and job sites
  • Protect and enhance the environment including reducing the transportation-related impact on wildlife habitat in the Nisqually River delta
  • Improve the transportation system's ability to operate during and recover from disruptions such as traffic incidents

The End Result

WSDOT will publish a report at the end of the study that will recommend strategies to improve system performance and manage congestion in the study area. These recommendations will be based on data and analysis from the study and local community input.

Funding and More Information

The study is funded through state and local appropriations totaling $550,000. For more information on the project, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/planning/studies/i5/tumwater-mounts-road/home

Study News

WSDOT is conducting a short follow-up survey available through 11:45 p.m. Sunday, March 31 to reach more members of the community in the study area and interested parties.

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The agency administered an online survey in November 2018 to collect public input on desired outcomes, goals and ideas for improving the transportation system in the study area. More than 3,300 people provided input which has been incorporated into the study direction.

Study Timeline

Fall 2018

  • Local government and community engagement
  • Data collection and analysis, develop improvement strategies

Winter 2018

  • Continued local government and community engagement
  • Refine and finalize improvement strategies

Spring 2019

  • Draft report
  • Online and in-person public meetings to review and comment on recommended strategies

Summer 2019

  • Publish final report