You might not have noticed as you’re driving by on southbound I-5 near 196th, but a tunnel and several walls are taking shape. It’s all part of the “braided ramp” project.
Crews are building ramps to separate traffic merging from I-405 and SR 525, from traffic exiting to 196th Street SW. It will look like a braid from above.
The future tunnel will carry vehicles exiting to 196th (see the illustration below.)
“Soon you will see the tunnel start to take shape as the wall closest to the I-5 traffic side is built and the girders are placed to form the tunnel,” project inspector Jeri Schurman said.
Meantime, crews are also building multiple retaining walls in the area.
Before long, you will begin to see the alignment of the new ramp from SR 525 to southbound I-5 as crews move to build a large wall by the PUD tower. The project is expected to wrap-up this December.
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