2026-01-30 North Lewis County InterchangeNorth Lewis County Interchange
January 30, 2026
10:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Geoff Soderquist,
Wes Anderson, Vince Hall, Port of Centralia Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Centralia City Manager
Michael Thomas, Centralia Public Works Director Andy Oien, Centralia Public Works Director Patty Page,
Thurston County County Manager Leonard Hernandez, Thurston County Public Works Director Jennifer
Walker, Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia, Thurston County Commissioner Wayne
Fournier, Thurston County Commissioners’ Aide Matthew Rounsley
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
At 10:02 a.m., Commissioner Swope opened the meeting and recessed it until 10:30 a.m.
The meeting started at 10:30 a.m.
Public comment: None.
Geoff Soderquist discussed options for creating a new Interstate 5 exit near the Port of Centralia to
connect the industrial area and alleviate congestion.
Geoff said the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) identified the potential for an
interchange at Thurston County’s 216th Avenue exit during a 2023 study but that something further
south, such as at Cooper Road, would be more beneficial.
Commissioner Swope said he is seeking Thurston County’s support for the creation of an interstate exit
between Exit 88 and Exit 82, noting that the county would prefer something further south.
The participants said they will support Lewis County in asking the state to shift its focus to Cooper Road
instead of 216th Avenue for a potential new interchange on Interstate 5.
Meeting adjourned at 10:51 a.m.