One week after the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) opened a new direct connection between State Route 18 and Interstate 5 in Federal Way, a second ramp opened just before noon today.

The new flyover ramp carries vehicles from eastbound SR 18 to northbound I-5.

WSDOT opened another new flyover ramp last Monday, July 16, between westbound SR 18 and southbound I-5.

The pair of new flyover ramps replaces an old cloverleaf interchange that was built in the 1960s. They are expected to reduce backups and collisions caused by last-minute lane-weaving. The new ramps will carry a combined 32,000 vehicles per day.

The entrance to the new flyover ramp from eastbound SR 18 to northbound I-5 is approximately 1,500 feet west of the old cloverleaf ramp. It is the same ramp that is used for southbound I-5 traffic. Drivers headed to northbound I-5 will use the left lane; those headed to southbound I-5 will use the right lane. Portable message signs will alert drivers to the change.

Demolition of the two old cloverleaf ramps will begin in August.

The ramps are the cornerstone of a $112 million project that is expected to reduce congestion and collisions at the busy I-5/SR 18 interchange.

For more information, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/sr18sr161ic/.