Date:
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Contact:
Jerry Barsness, WSDOT Bridge Maintenance, (360) 601-8590 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
CHEHALIS – After enduring two collisions in 24 hours, the I-5 LaBree overpass, one mile south of Chehalis, remains structurally safe. WSDOT crews inspected the bridge after each of the collisions and have determined that the bridge is structurally safe and can remain open to traffic.
Just after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, a vehicle carrying large equipment was traveling southbound on I-5 and struck the LaBree overpass. Incident response arrived at the scene, quickly setting up traffic control and clearing debris from I-5. WSDOT bridge inspectors arrived and inspected the bridge. Despite damage, the bridge was structurally safe and remained open.
A second vehicle carrying equipment and traveling southbound on I-5 struck the bridge Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 13. Again, WSDOT’s incident responders came to the scene to setup traffic control and remove debris from the collision. Bridge inspectors returned that afternoon and began inspections. At that time, crews shut down the LaBree bridge. Additional inspections took place this morning, when it was determined that the LaBree overpass could open to all traffic. Despite damage to concrete and bridge girders, the bridge remains in safe operating condition.
The motorists responsible for each collision will be billed for the cost to repair the bridge. Minor repairs will take place early next year. This bridge is scheduled for demolition in 2007, as part of the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street project. The bridge will be rebuilt as part of that project.
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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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