‘SnoCo Squeeze’ I-5 lane closures planned for this weekend

A deteriorating expansion joint on the I-5 bridge over Steamboat Slough between Everett and Marysville.

A deteriorating expansion joint on the I-5 bridge over Steamboat Slough between Everett and Marysville.

MARYSVILLE — It looks as if the “Snoco Squeeze” is coming this week.

Drivers can expect potentially nightmarish congestion on southbound I-5 through Marysville this weekend as the state gets started on replacing expansion joints on Steamboat Slough Bridge.

Anticipating a break in the rain, the state Department of Transportation on Thursday night plans to restripe the three southbound lanes so they are narrower and lower the speed limit to 45 mph in advance of contractors getting to work.

Come the weekend, one of the lanes will be closed.

“We are doing what every other Washingtonian is doing, taking advantage of dry weather when we can get it,” WSDOT spokeswoman Lisa Van Cise said.

The state is replacing aging expansion joints on Steamboat Slough, Ebey Slough and Union Slough bridges. Eight weekends of work — with lane closures in each of the weekends — are needed to finish the job.

Rainy weather forced postponements the past three weekends. With a forecast for a dry period this week, work is planned on Steamboat Slough Bridge.

All three narrower lanes will be open for the Friday morning commute but a lower speed limit of 45 mph will be enforced.

Only two lanes will be open from 9:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday night as contractor crews replace bridge expansion joints.

Only one lane will be open Sunday night through 4 a.m. Monday to remove a safety barrier. Drivers also may encounter rolling slowdowns during evening or early morning hours.

With one lane closed and slower speeds in the work zone, “it will be a slog” as drivers could encounter back-ups similar to a weekday morning commute, Van Cise said. She urged travelers to carpool, to travel early or late in the day, or to find an alternate route to bypass the construction zone.

Ideally, on Sunday night crews will restripe the lanes again to restore full use of the highway in time for the Monday morning commute. But it depends on the weather, she said.

Replacing the corroded joints that allow the bridges to expand and contract with changes in weather can be done in the rain. But lane restriping can only be done in dry conditions, she said.

Thus, if it rains, the restriping will not occur and drivers will have to travel in the three narrow lanes for the Monday morning commute — and additional days depending on the weather.

You can expect this rhythm of lane narrowing and closures for eight weekends. Construction will be halted for the weekend of April 9 and 10 which is the peak of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, when traffic is expected to be heaviest on the weekend.

More info: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/pugetsound/today.html

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

LifeWise local co-directors Darcie Hammer and Sarah Sweeny talk about what a typical classroom routine looks like on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett off-campus Bible program draws mixed reaction from parents

The weekly optional program, LifeWise Academy, takes children out of public school during the day for religious lessons.

Protesters line Broadway in Everett for Main Street USA rally

Thousands turn out to protest President Trump on Saturday in Everett, joining hundreds of other towns and cities.

An EcoRemedy employee checks a control panel of their equipment at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds launches technology to destroy PFAS

Edmonds is the first city in the country to implement… Continue reading

Over a dozen parents and some Snohomish School District students gather outside of the district office to protest and discuss safety concerns after an incident with a student at Machias Elementary School on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Parents protest handling of alleged weapon incident at Machias Elementary

Families say district failed to communicate clearly; some have kept kids home for weeks.

Irene Pfister, left, holds a sign reading “Justice for Jonathan” next to another protester with a sign that says “Major Crimes Needs to Investigate,” during a call to action Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Arlington. (Aspen Anderson / The Herald)
Arlington community rallies, a family waits for news on missing man

Family and neighbors say more can be done in the search for Jonathan Hoang. The sheriff’s office says all leads are being pursued.

Mary Ann Karber, 101, spins the wheel during Wheel of Forunte at Washington Oakes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lunch and Wheel of Fortune with some Everett swinging seniors

She’s 101 and he’s 76. At Washington Oakes, fun and friendship are on the menu.

Connect Casino Road Director Alvaro Gullien speaks at an Everett City Council meeting to share community thoughts regarding affordable housing and preventing displacement of those that live along Casino Road on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How will Everett’s comprehensive plan work in Casino Road?

Residents in the diverse, tight-knit neighborhood want “Investment without displacement.” The city’s plan will help achieve that, staff say.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition championship robotics Team 2910 Jack in the Bot on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek robotics team celebrates world championship win

The team — known as “Jack in the Bot” — came in first place above about 600 others at a Texas world championship event last week.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45

The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15… Continue reading

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Snohomish firefighters appeal vaccine suspensions to Ninth Circuit

Despite lower court’s decision, eight men maintain their department did not properly accommodate their religious beliefs during COVID.

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.