New I-5 Ramps Open In Lakewood Thursday

LAKEWOOD, WA — It has been a long time coming, but Lakewood's new I-5 ramps are finally opening to the public.

Starting at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, commuters will be invited to use the shared southbound I-5 exit to Berkeley Street and Thorne Lane, as well as the new Thorne Lane on-ramp to southbound I-5.

Because the changes are so new, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is advising drivers to not get overexcited, and to try and take it a little slower through the area as everyone acclimates to the new pathways.

If you're reading this update Wednesday before the roads open, then a slight bit of bad news: there's one last set of closures coming up as crews put the finishing touches on the on ramps:

• The Thorne Lane on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed between 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
• The Southbound I-5 exits to Berkley and Thorne will close 9:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.
• Finally, the Gravelly Lake Drive on-ramp to southbound I-5 will also be closed 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

I-5 will also see some lane restrictions southbound near Gravelly Lake Drive. Lane closures wil begin 9:30 p.m. and will be cut all the way to a single lane by 11:30 p.m. Southbound I-5 will then remain restricted to a single lane until the new ramps open at 4:30 a.m. During that time, late night drivers are advised to detour around the area, if possible.