Construction starts on I-5 Berkeley Street overpass in Lakewood

Construction recently started on the Berkeley Street overpass above Interstate 5 in Lakewood, Washington, and motorists who typically use Berkeley Street should notice activity and construction work around the overpass as the crews begin their work; the project is the responsibility of contractor crews who will build a double-turn lane connecting southbound I-5 and Berkeley Street.

They will also improve the sidewalks and add another southbound lane as part of the overpass.

The goal of the project is to improve traffic flow and also decrease traffic congestion; currently, people traveling to Madigan Army Medical Center regularly encounter traffic congestion.

“This project demonstrates what happens when different government agencies partner to address a regional problem,” Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson said. “Traffic congestion in the I-5 corridor has a direct effect on the ability of military personnel, their families and veterans to access Madigan Army Medical Center. The City of Lakewood, Washington State Department of Transportation and Joint Base Lewis-McChord recognize this and are taking this step to alleviate the regular traffic bottlenecks near the hospital. This benefits the military community and the region as a whole.”

The project has been part of a collaboration between leaders in Lakewood and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

“We certainly appreciate how leaders at the City of Lakewood took the initiative to get the funding to make this project happen,” Kevin Dayton, WSDOT regional administrator, said. “It really highlights how partnerships can get things done.”