BURLINGTON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Drivers should prepare for a permanent speed limit change on I-5 in Burlington this week.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says the speed limit will be reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph on the stretch of I-5 between State Route 20 (MP 230) and Cook Road (MP 232) on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Crews will close the left lane of SB I-5 from 8:30 am to 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday to install the new signs.

According to WSDOT, the reduction is being made as part of an ongoing effort to make safety improvements in the area due to increased traffic.

The speed limit decrease will take effect on the 2.5 mile stretch of I-5 after the crews finish installing new signs on Wednesday.