Date:
Monday, August 14, 2006
Contact:
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4472 (Seattle)
Meghan Soptich, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4964 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – Today’s “DOT days of summer” project is the I-5 2nd Street Bridge Replacement in Mt. Vernon.
August 14, 2006
- Work continues this week to repave a section of I-5 in Mt. Vernon as crews raise the roadway under the 2nd Street Bridge. Crews are also replacing the existing barrier with improved concrete barrier.
- The 2nd Street Bridge, which was once the lowest clearance bridge on I-5 between Canada and Mexico, was completely replaced in 2005 to improve freight mobility and reduce the rate of trucks running into the bridge. The southbound lanes were lowered in the 1970s to create more clearance under the bridge.
- The new taller bridge eliminates the need for a lowered roadway, and crews are repaving to bring the southbound lanes level with the northbound lanes. This project will also add catch basins that, along with raising the roadway, will reduce the risk of hydroplaning during heavy rains on southbound I-5.
- WSDOT expects to finish paving this Thursday. For details on the I-5 2nd Street Bridge Replacement project, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/2ndSt_BridgeRepl.
What's next for I-5 in north Puget Sound?
In Whatcom County, crews are currently working on a project to improve the interchange of SR 11 (Old Fairhaven Parkway) and I-5 in Bellingham. WSDOT is widening the southbound I-5 exit and building a left-turn lane to SR 11, installing a new signal and building a new right turn onto the southbound I-5 on-ramp. Crews are also building sidewalks through the interchange. When the project wraps up this fall, drivers can expect reduced congestion and back-up on I-5. For details on the project, go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/sr11_sramps_oldfairhaven.
What’s next for the “DOT days of summer”?
Over the next 30 days, WSDOT will count down the “DOT days of summer,” highlighting key milestones for important WSDOT projects.
Why is August such a busy month for WSDOT? August has a lot of things going for it. It’s consistently the driest month of the year, days and nights are warmer, and humidity is lower, which makes painting and paving easier as the products adhere better.
Take a look at our construction calendar. Click on a day or a specific project to learn more about road work near you.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Construction/calendar
WSDOT currently has nearly 400 active construction projects underway around the state thanks to the 2003 and 2005 funding packages approved by the Washington State legislature.
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