Date:
Friday, October 13, 2006
Contact:
Patricia Michaud, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4704 (Seattle)
Stanley Eng, Project Engineer, (253) 872-2958 (Kent)
AUBURN – WSDOT opened the new northbound HOV lane on SR 167 between SR 18 and 15th Street NW at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 12. Crews planned to have the new lane ready for morning rush hour traffic but did not finish the guardrail work in time.
Despite today's delay, crews reached this milestone about six months earlier than the scheduled spring 2007 opening date. This is possible because there is enough road space to allow shoulder work to continue while keeping all three lanes open to traffic. This winter, crews will focus their efforts on expanding the bridge over SR 18. Once they complete the bridge work, WSDOT will open the carpool lane from 15th Street SW through SR 18.
Crews also will widen most on-ramps between 15th Street NW and S. 180th Street in Renton to add HOV bypass lanes, and add or upgrade ramp meters. The project is funded through the 2003 Nickel Funding Package. WSDOT expects to complete work on the $40.4 million project in fall 2007.
The lane opening is part of a WSDOT project to widen northbound SR 167 through Auburn. When construction is complete there will be a continuous northbound carpool lane from the Auburn Super Mall to I-405.
WSDOT plans to open the remaining section of the carpool lane from SR 18 to 15th Street SW in summer 2007. For more information, visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR167/HOV15thSW_15thNW/.
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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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