Date:
Friday, October 13, 2006
Contact:
Laura Johnson, WSDOT Communications, (206) 464-1358 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – WSDOT crews and contractors are starting to wrap up major construction season work, and that means benefits for drivers. On Thursday morning, Oct. 12, WSDOT opened new lanes
Crews also expect to finish the summer-long project of stabilizing the rock slope above I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass on Nov. 17, two weeks ahead of schedule (www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/MidwayCurvesSlopeStabilization).
Work throughout the Puget Sound region continues, however, so watch for more effects on traffic this week:
New this week
Alaskan Way Viaduct, Seattle
WSDOT bridge maintenance crews will close both decks of the Alaskan Way Viaduct for the semi-annual inspection Oct. 14 and 15 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Husky football - University District, Seattle
Thousands of Husky fans are expected to attend the football game against the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, Oct. 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Expect traffic restrictions and congestion throughout the University District area before and after the game. http://www.seattle.gov/news/detail.asp?ID=6604&Dept=19
Work continues this week
SR 9, Sumas
All lanes of Easterbrook Road (SR 9) between Morgan Road and Front Street and all lanes of East Badger Road from Garrison Road to Telegraph Road are closed until Nov. 3. During the closures, drivers will follow signed detour routes to help them around the closures. www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr9/nooksaktocherry/
I-405, Kirkland
Expect extensive nighttime lane and ramp closures next week as crews work on building the new NE 128th Street bridge and HOV ramps, and widening the I-405 bridges over NE 116th Street. All lanes of NE 116th Street under I-405 will be closed from Friday night, Oct. 20 to Monday morning, Oct. 23 for bridge demolition.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I405/TotemLake
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/KirklandNickelStage1
I-90, Eastgate
Crews will close up to three eastbound lanes and the westbound HOV lane at Eastgate nightly next week to install equipment and remove construction scaffolding as they prepare to open the new HOV ramps. On Monday night/early Tuesday, expect a 15-minute rolling slowdown eastbound between midnight and 4 a.m. The new HOV ramps are scheduled to open on Saturday, Oct. 21. www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/EastgateAccess/
SR 543, Blaine
Contractors working to widen the highway just south of the US/Canada border closed the designated truck lane for one-third of a mile between H and D streets on Oct. 10. The closure will last one year. This will cause significant delays at the truck crossing. Passenger vehicles are encouraged to use the I-5 Peace Arch crossing. For more information, go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr543/i5_canadian
I-5, Tacoma
The westbound 38th Street exit from northbound I-5 (the exit to Tacoma Mall) will be closed until Oct. 24 while crews build new ramps. Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 13-14, the three left lanes of northbound I-5 at the M Street Bridge will be closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. for pothole repairs. Also, the SR 16 ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed overnight Friday and possibly overnight Saturday. www.tacomatraffic.com
What can drivers do?
We may sound like a broken record, but it is important that we remind drivers that there are many ways for them to get information and avoid traffic delays. Drivers should plan ahead, check our real-time traffic map and pay attention to the signs along the way. If you can, consider alternate routes or adjusting your driving schedule to avoid the worst traffic.
Know before you go: visit WSDOT’s Web site
WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office:
- Traffic map - The color-coded map shows where traffic is heavy and light so you can alter your commute accordingly
- Travel times - Real-time point-to-point travel times
- Traffic cameras - Take a look at traffic conditions on a growing number of highway locations throughout the Puget Sound region
- E-mail updates - Sign up for one of our many e-mail update lists. You’ll get advance notice of upcoming construction closures delivered right to your inbox
- Construction update report - Comprehensive, seven-day advance listing of lane, ramp and road closures
- Project pages -Find your highway and see the long- and short-term construction plans
Know on the road
- 511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information
- Overhead and roadside electronic signs - Emergency and incident alerts and, in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours, point-to-point travel times
- Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies airing construction updates
- Work zones - Watch for construction zone signs, barrels, barriers and cones. Slow down and stay alert when driving through construction zones, not just for the construction workers, but also for you and your passengers. Far more motorists are injured in work zone collisions than construction workers.
WSDOT and our contractors are doing our part to stay out of your way and keep traffic moving. We do most of our work at night or on weekends when there are fewer drivers on the highway. We make every effort to limit lane closures and only close lanes when we absolutely have to. We also strive to get in, complete our work quickly, and get out, giving the roads back to drivers as quickly as possible.
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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.
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