Both directions of C Street SW bridge on SR 18 in Auburn to close this weekend

Both directions of SR 18 will fully close at different times during a weekend-long series of lane, ramp and directional closures beginning this Friday, Oct. 3, to complete replacement of worn expansion joints on the C Street SW bridge in Auburn.

Work will be divided into three phases from 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Drivers should expect delays during each phase, especially during busier travel times.

All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled.

First phase: Full eastbound SR 18 closure
From 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, until as late as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, all eastbound lanes of SR 18 will close between C Street Southwest and Auburn Way South. All eastbound vehicles will need to exit to C Street Southwest, and drivers may follow a signed detour using city streets to the Auburn Way South on-ramp to eastbound SR 18. Police will help direct traffic through intersections.

The left lane of westbound SR 18 will close at the same time, as will the C Street Southwest on-ramp to eastbound SR 18 and the off-ramp to Auburn Way South.

Second phase: Full westbound SR 18 closure
From as early as 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, until as late at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, all lanes of westbound SR 18 will close at Auburn Way South. All vehicles will need to exit to Auburn Way South and can use the on-ramp back onto westbound SR 18. Police will help direct traffic through the intersection.

Third phase: Westbound SR 18 lane reduction
From as early as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, until as late as 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, the right lane of westbound SR 18 and the Auburn Way South on-ramp to westbound SR 18 will close. The left lane of westbound SR 18 will reopen during this final phase of work.

Expansion joint replacement
Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will finish replacing worn expansion joints on the C Street Southwest bridge during the closures.

Crews replaced joints along the westbound SR 18 portion of the bridge Sept. 26-29 and now must flip to the other half of the bridge. After the joints are installed, crews will stretch silicone seals across the entire width of the joint. These glands allow portions of the bridge structure to expand and contract during weather changes.

The work is part of a project repaving a 3-mile stretch of eastbound SR 18 in Auburn.