Date:
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Contact:
Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications, (360) 570-2135 (Olympia)
Meghan Soptich, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788 (Seattle)
OLYMPIA – High winds moving through Western Washington have cut power to several traffic signals on state highways and prompted WSDOT maintenance crews to close the Evergreen Point Bridge (SR 520) and the Hood Canal Bridge (SR 104).
We have closed the SR 520 bridge at 10:30 p.m. due to sustained winds up to 54 mph and gusts up to 63 mph. The bridge will remain closed to traffic until the storm passes, which could be as late as noon Friday.
Shortly after 8 p.m., WSDOT closed the Hood Canal Bridge in both directions due to sustained winds of 40 mph for more than 15 minutes. Gusts were clocked up to 74 mph. The reopening time of the bridge is not known at this time.
Crews continue to monitor the SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The storm is expected to intensify in the overnight hours.
Other State Highway Closures:
Jefferson County – SR 101 has multiple lane closures along the west bank of Hood Canal due to water over the roadway.
King County - The eastbound SR 520 on-ramp from Lake Washington Blvd. is closed due to fallen trees.
SR 203 is blocked by fallen trees south of Duvall (milepost 10.5).
Lewis County – SR 6 is closed between PeEll and Chehalis due to trees and power lines blocking the roadway.
Mason County – SR 302 is blocked in both directions just west of SR 16 due to downed power lines.
Pacific County – SR 101 the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Washington and Oregon is restricted for oversized loads.
Wahkiakum County – SR 4 is closed between Cathlamet and West Longview due to flooding and downed power lines.
Skagit County - SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) is closed in both directions north of Burlington at milepost 3. Trees are blocking the roadway.
Snohomish County –
SR 522 is blocked by fallen trees at Paradise Lake Road east of Woodinville
SR 531 is blocked by trees at McCrae Road west of Arlington
Traffic signals at intersections have lost power in several locations. Drivers are advised to watch for dark traffic signals. If a traffic signal is dark, treat the intersection as a four way stop.
Washington State Ferries is reporting ferry routes all operational, but boat captains are approaching ferry terminals with great care. This could affect ferry schedules.
Drivers are advised to:
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