Temporary Pole Solution Tackles Traffic Challenges

LED Lighting Supply was approached by Elcon Corporation, which was serving as the General Contractor for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project. This highway expansion was initiated to widen Interstate 5 and implement High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes between 41st Division Drive and Mounts Road in DuPont, WA. In turn, chronic traffic congestion would be mitigated, and mobility would improve.

This three-year infrastructure project represents the third in a series of initiatives to add HOV lanes to I-5 in southwest Pierce County, including the construction of a new Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass with a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI).

At the time of the initial consultation, WSDOT needed reliable temporary infrastructure to support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and temporary traffic signals. A strategic temporary solution was essential for managing transportation through this complex development zone with minimal disruption.

The expansion required maintaining transportation flow while constructing new HOV lanes, a replacement bridge, a roundabout, and improved access points to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

LED Lighting Supply’s Product Specialist, Tyler Greene understood the project’s requirements and recommended a strategic, temporary wood utility pole solution. Tyler’s recommendations were crafted to support the necessary components and align with WSDOT’s safety initiatives throughout this multi-year construction effort.

The implementation resulted in improved construction monitoring capabilities and improved safety for both crew members and travelers throughout the development areas.

The Challenge
The I-5 corridor expansion job posed several operational considerations:

• Temporary yet sturdy mounting solutions to support equipment across a large 3.5-mile construction zone.
• Requirement for minimal traffic disruptions during construction phases of HOV lane extensions, new overpass, and interchange.
• Critical need for real-time traffic management during the replacement of the 66-year-old Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass.
• Maintain three lanes of traffic in both directions throughout construction.
• Effective congestion management during lane and ramp closures over the three-year project timeline.
• Minimize traffic disruption while implementing overnight lane closures and daytime construction.

WSDOT recognized the need for temporary utility poles to address these complex challenges. By implementing a custom solution, the department would benefit from upgraded transportation management capabilities while maintaining safety standards throughout this major corridor expansion.

The Opportunity
The I-5 widening project presented an opportunity to support WSDOT’s commitment to work zone safety through effective temporary infrastructure solutions. The LED team completed a comprehensive assessment of the expansion area, which included:

• Southbound I-5 HOV lane extension of 1.7 miles from 41st Division Drive to Steilacoom-DuPont interchange.
• Northbound I-5 HOV lane expansion of 3.5 miles from Mounts Road to 41st Division Drive.
• Construction of a new overpass with Diverging Diamond Interchange.
• Implementation of a roundabout on Steilacoom-DuPont Road.
• Improvements to JBLM’s DuPont gate access.
• Addition of an auxiliary lane on northbound I-5 between Center Drive and Steilacoom-DuPont Road.
• Installation of a new traffic signal at the southbound I-5 and Mounts Road exit.

With consideration of the expansive worksite and multiple construction phases, Class 2 treated wood poles were recommended as the ideal temporary solution. These 50-foot utility-grade poles provided sturdy, reliable support for traffic signals and essential transportation equipment throughout the I-5 corridor expansion.

The strategic placement allowed WSDOT to maintain transportation flow while constructing the HOV lanes and new interchange while offering relocation flexibility as work zones shifted. This cost-effective approach delivered the necessary infrastructure support without the expense of permanent installations.

The Results
LED Lighting Supply’s solution provided (20) 50-foot Class 2 CCA treated wood poles to support the project, yielding significant benefits across multiple performance indicators. The strategically placed poles provided stable mounting solutions for traffic signals and distribution components, substantially enhancing WSDOT’s ability to monitor transportation conditions in real-time.

Their implementation supported vital technologies that allowed for consistent flow through the development zone while maintaining three lanes of traffic in both directions. This solution reduced congestion and improved incident response times during lane and ramp closures.

The combined benefits of enhanced safety monitoring, efficient transit management, and responsive congestion mitigation dramatically improved the overall effectiveness of this major infrastructure project.

As a trusted utility pole partner, Elcon Corporation relied on LED Lighting Supply to provide a cost-effective solution for this transportation expansion. LED Lighting Supply proved an ideal partner for maximizing crew safety, mitigating chronic transportation congestion, and providing reliable temporary infrastructure for a complex construction project.

Thoughtful planning and the strategic implementation of temporary utility poles can support advanced safety technologies in major transportation infrastructure projects. WSDOT received a custom-tailored solution to meet worker safety requirements during the I-5 corridor expansion.