Temporary Utility Pole Solution for WSDOT's I-5 Corridor Expansion Project

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), in partnership with General Contractor Elcon Corporation, launched a major infrastructure initiative to expand Interstate 5 and introduce new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in DuPont, Washington. The goal: alleviate chronic traffic congestion and improve mobility throughout the region.

Spanning three years, this effort marks the third phase in a series of projects aimed at expanding HOV access along I-5 in southwest Pierce County. Notable features include the construction of a new Steilacoom-DuPont Road overpass with a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), engineered to enhance both traffic flow and roadway safety.

The Challenge

At the outset of the project, WSDOT required a reliable temporary infrastructure solution to support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and temporary traffic signals. Ensuring continuous traffic movement and worker safety during such a large-scale, phased construction effort posed several challenges:

• Mounting solutions capable of supporting traffic control equipment over a 3.5-mile construction zone

• Maintaining three lanes of traffic in both directions throughout all construction phases

• Real-time traffic management during the replacement of a 66-year-old overpass

• Effective congestion management during scheduled lane and ramp closures

• Minimizing traffic disruptions while executing both daytime and overnight work

To address these challenges, WSDOT identified the need for robust, temporary utility poles that could offer flexibility, reliability, and enhanced support for ITS infrastructure across the corridor.

The Opportunity

This project offered a clear opportunity to reinforce WSDOT’s commitment to safety and efficient traffic management through the use of effective, temporary infrastructure.

LED Lighting Supply’s Product Specialist, Tyler Greene, conducted a detailed site assessment and recommended a strategic deployment of 50-foot Class 2 CCA-treated wood utility poles. These utility-grade poles were selected for their strength, durability, and adaptability to evolving work zones.

The temporary utility poles provided the necessary mounting infrastructure for ITS and signalization equipment without the costs associated with permanent installations. Their flexibility allowed for repositioning as work zones progressed, supporting dynamic traffic management needs.

The Results

LED Lighting Supply delivered 20 50-foot Class 2 treated wood poles, which were installed strategically throughout the project corridor. These poles served as sturdy mounting points for traffic signals and monitoring equipment, enhancing WSDOT’s ability to manage traffic flow in real time.

Key outcomes included:

• Improved construction zone monitoring

• Enhanced traveler and worker safety

• Reduced congestion during peak construction periods

• Efficient implementation of overnight lane closures and signal changes

• Reliable infrastructure support that adapted to shifting phases of the project

By enabling seamless transportation flow and responsive incident management, the temporary pole solution played a critical role in the success of this major infrastructure investment.