Date:
Friday, October 06, 2006
Contact:
Meghan Soptich, Communications, (206) 440-4964 (Seattle)
Marlin Lenssen, Project Engineer, (425) 225-8796 (Everett)
LYNNWOOD – Last night, WSDOT and Wilder Construction crews finished paving the final stretch of southbound I-5 between Everett and Lynnwood. In just four months’ time, crews have successfully paved nearly nine miles of worn pavement, which means they won’t have to come back next year for additional paving.
“We’re really pleased to finish paving this season,” said Project Engineer Marlin Lenssen. “Wilder pushed hard to get this work done so drivers could enjoy a smoother, safer ride on I-5. We were also very fortunate that the weather cooperated.”
Drivers will see some lane closures between now and December as crews add permanent striping, signing and other finishing touches to the roadway. Because paving is complex, weather-dependent work, WSDOT had originally projected a fall 2007 finish date for the project. In addition to weather concerns, crews also had to coordinate with other major I-5 projects in Everett to get the work done and keep traffic delays to a minimum.
“We want to thank drivers for their patience this summer,” Lenssen said. “We know that major I-5 closures can be tough on drivers.” Crews worked at night to keep traffic moving during construction and reduce daytime delays.
Since June, crews have ground down and repaved 8.5 miles of southbound I-5 from State Route 526 in Everett to 52nd Avenue West in Lynnwood. They also repaved the Swamp Creek interchange, and improved the 44th Avenue West interchange in Lynnwood by repaving the existing ramps, extending the on-ramp to southbound I-5, upgrading lighting and adding guardrail.
Crews also laid down a 1.8 mile test section of quieter pavement between Swamp Creek and 44th Avenue West in Lynnwood. Quieter pavement is made of materials that help reduce the amount of highway noise generated by the tires of traveling vehicles. Over the next five years, WSDOT engineers will study this section of roadway to see if quieter pavement can stand up to ever-changing driving conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
The $8.1 million project is partially funded with $2.5 million from the 2003 Nickel Gas Tax, and is expected to finish on budget. For more information, please visit the project Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/52ndW_SR526_Safety.
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