Southbound I-5 to Close for Sign Replacement in Fife

Overnight closures scheduled for April 17-18 as crews install new electronic sign

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A conceptual illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping, geometric highway overpasses and ramps in shades of blue and gray, capturing the grand scale and infrastructure of a major interstate closure.An overnight closure of southbound I-5 in Fife will allow crews to install a new electronic sign, temporarily disrupting a vital transportation artery.Fife Today

The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Fife, Washington will be closed for two nights on April 17-18 to remove an old overhead sign and install a new electronic sign. Travelers are advised to expect delays and consider alternate routes during the closure.

Why it matters

This closure will impact a major transportation artery in the Puget Sound region, potentially causing delays and disruptions for commuters and travelers passing through the area. Keeping drivers informed about the closure and providing alternate route options is important for minimizing the impact on the local community.

The details

The southbound lanes of I-5 will be closed from 9 PM to 5 AM on both April 17 and April 18 to allow crews to remove the old overhead sign and install a new electronic sign. During the closure, all southbound traffic will be detoured off the interstate at Exit 135 (Port of Tacoma Road) and then back on at the next available on-ramp.

  • The southbound lanes of I-5 will be closed from 9 PM to 5 AM on April 17, 2026.
  • The southbound lanes of I-5 will be closed from 9 PM to 5 AM on April 18, 2026.

The players

Washington State Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the transportation infrastructure in Washington, including Interstate 5.

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What’s next

Travelers should check the WSDOT website or social media channels for the latest updates on the closure and any changes to the schedule.

The takeaway

This overnight closure of southbound I-5 in Fife is necessary to upgrade the overhead signage, but will require drivers to plan ahead and consider alternate routes to avoid delays during the two-night project.