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More construction could be coming to I-5 corridor

The Washington State Department of Transportation wants to hear from drivers as they begin brainstorming new traffic strategies in the South Sound.

Drivers who live and work in Thurston County said they’ve watched traffic get worse and worse over the years.

“Bumper-to-bumper. When there’s an accident, it’s horrible. People have to go around. We get traffic in here like crazy,” said Daisy Narcis.

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About 120,000 cars travel the I-5 corridor in the Olympia area every day, according to WSDOT.

Even Washington State Patrol troopers feel the pain.

“I know the average commuter gets frustrated sitting in stop-and-go traffic and they adjust their times. Well, just know that we have to do the same, so it’s also frustrating for us,” said Trooper Guy Gill.

WSDOT began surveying drivers in the area to get their input on ways to improve traffic flow. Transportation officials want to improve the I-5 corridor between 93rd Avenue in Tumwater and Mounts Road in DuPont.

“Historically speaking, you could travel through south Thurston up to at least the Nisqually River Bridge at a freeway speed at any given time. Now, just with more commuters and more people on the road, that has changed,” said Gill.

WSDOT’s 20-year goal is to improve travel times, increase efficiency, add transportation services, create accessible industrial and commercial areas and protect the Nisqually wildlife.

“It’s good that they’re looking at ways to improve it, I’m just not really sure, I mean, it’s just more people so that’s just kind of what you have to deal with,” said Darcy Wishard.

WSDOT said the planning is in the very early stages. There will be public meetings in the spring for ideas and comments. A final report is scheduled to be published in the summer.

Drivers who'd like to give their input on the area are asked to take this survey.