Commuters traveling through Auburn can expect a smoother ride in the coming months as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins a major repaving and repair project on eastbound SR 18 starting Monday, July 7, 2025.

The project will cover a three-mile stretch of SR 18 from C Street Southwest to near the Green River, including resurfacing the bridges over Auburn Way and F Street.

In addition to pavement work, crews will replace worn bridge expansion joints along the C Street Southwest overpass in both directions.

“This section of SR 18, which carries about 65,000 vehicles each day, was last paved in 2003,” WSDOT said in a statement. “The asphalt has outlived its expected 15-year lifespan.”

Contractor crews will work overnight on weekdays from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., with single-lane and ramp closures expected. Full closures of eastbound SR 18 are planned for up to four nights in some areas where the road narrows, to ensure worker safety.

Weekend directional closures of SR 18 and associated ramps will be necessary to complete the bridge joint replacements. Eastbound SR 18 may close for up to four weekends, while westbound closures may last up to three weekends. Both directions will not close at the same time, WSDOT confirmed.

Signed detour routes using city streets will be posted during all closures.

WSDOT said it plans to avoid scheduling work during major community events, including the Washington State Fair, concerts at White River Amphitheater, and activities at Muckleshoot Resort Casino. The full schedule is still being finalized, but updates will be posted on WSDOT’s project page and the agency’s real-time travel map.

Once completed later this fall, the project is expected to extend the life of the highway and improve driving conditions for years to come.