Update: Please note the closure of both directions of SR 500 between St. Johns Road and Andresen Road is now scheduled from 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, until 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12.

Tamara Greenwell, communications, 360-905-2056

Work will change how people travel the highway

VANCOUVER – People who use State Route 500 between St. Johns Road and Andresen Road should expect delays during construction to improve safety on the highway this fall.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are making significant safety improvements to SR 500 near Northeast Falk Road/Northeast 42nd Avenue and Northeast Stapleton Road/Northeast 54th Avenue.

During a weekend-long closure, crews will remove the existing traffic signals, install new median barrier, and restripe the highway to extend merge lanes.

“The work will affect each person differently, depending on where people begin and end their travel,” said WSDOT project engineer Susan Fell. “Once complete, these improvements will help reduce the number of crashes happening on SR 500.”

Construction details

Both directions of SR 500 will close between St. Johns Road and Andresen Road from 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9, until 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12.

During the closure, drivers will not be able to cross SR 500 at these intersections or travel on SR 500 between St. Johns and Andresen.

Travelers using sidewalks or bicycle facilities will no longer be able cross SR 500 at Northeast Stapleton Road/Northeast 54th Avenue once the closure begins.

Travelers should plan ahead and use alternate routes.

The weekend closure is extremely weather dependent and could be rescheduled if rain is forecasted.

Travel changes after construction

Drivers will have uninterrupted traffic flow on SR 500 between I-5 to Fourth Plain Boulevard.

Access at SR 500 at Northeast Falk Road/Northeast 42nd Avenue and Northeast Stapleton Road/Northeast 54th Avenue will only be right in, and right out – no left turns or crossing at these locations.

Travelers who use the sidewalks or bicycle lanes will be unable to cross SR 500 at Northeast Stapleton Road/Northeast 54th Avenue until an overcrossing is built. WSDOT is working with partners to find opportunities to expedite funding.

Those who use SR 500 can sign up to receive the latest project and closure updates via email.