The existing overpass bridge right off Exit 16 in La Center is set to come down, and it will mean detours for any late night drivers.
The work to demolish the old overpass will begin Monday. Closures for this week are:
• Southbound Interstate 5 will detour from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, with the first lane closing at 7 p.m. and the second lane closing at 9 p.m. to slowly taper traffic over to the ramp. The first lane will reopen at 4 a.m., the second lane at 6 a.m. and all lanes will be open by 7 a.m.
• The northbound I-5 offramp to La Center Road will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.
• Northbound I-5 will detour from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the first lane closing at 7 p.m. and the second lane closing at 9 p.m. The first lane will reopen at 4 a.m., the second at 5 a.m. and all lanes will be open by 7 a.m.
• The southbound I-5 offramp to La Center Road will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
• Northwest 319th Street/Northwest La Center Road across I-5 will close each night from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
To go along with the new Ilani Casino Resort, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe agreed to pay for $32 million in upgrades to the interchange at the La Center exit off Interstate 5. The work included new offramps, partial relocation of a few roads and a new freeway overpass, which accommodates four car lanes and multiuse paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
