Date:
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Contact:
Susan Fell, Assistant Area Engineer, 866-279-0730
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2078
VANCOUVER – The Lieser Road Bridge, both lanes of State Route 14 eastbound and one lane of SR 14 westbound in the vicinity of Lieser Road will be closed the night of May 16-17, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). A short detour to motorists will be provided.
The closure is necessary so that two new bridge girders can be installed, replacing the girders damaged by an oversized truck in November 2005. Repairs require a full closure of SR 14 eastbound, a complete closure of the Lieser Bridge, and one westbound lane of SR 14. The closure will begin at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. The highway will reopen by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17. During this closure, eastbound traffic along SR 14 will be detoured off of the highway at the Lieser Road off-ramp, exit #4, and immediately back onto the highway at the eastbound on-ramp. At the same time, one lane of SR 14 westbound will be closed. During the closure, motorists will not be able to access the Lieser Road Bridge. Alternate routes for motorists needing to cross State Route 14 include the Evergreen Blvd., exit #3, just west of Lieser Road, and Ellsworth, exit #5, to the east of the Lieser Road Bridge.
Repairs to the Lieser Road Bridge began May 1. Construction is expected to take approximately 50 working days, depending upon weather conditions. During construction, all efforts will be made to minimize traffic impacts. No lane closures of SR 14 will be scheduled on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. SR 14 lane closures will occur during nighttime and weekend hours. Additional lane and bridge closures may occur throughout the construction.
Advance warning signs will be placed ahead of the construction area on SR 14 and Lieser Road, and motorists are asked to observe and adhere to the posted speed limits when driving through the work zone. Motorists are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).
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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations around the work zone, guided media tours and interviews will be provided to any interested members of the media. For a guided tour and access, please contact Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, at 360-905-2058 or Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2078.
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