Date:
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Contact:
Travis Phelps, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4470
Pat Moylan, Maintenance and Operations Manager, (206) 440-4566
EVERETT - This morning, WSDOT bridge engineers lifted the temporary overweight vehicle restriction on the southbound Interstate 5 bridge over Pacific Avenue in Everett. Crews placed barrier on the westbound US 2 ramp to southbound I-5 to keep traffic from driving over the damaged girder until repairs are complete. Drivers will notice a realigned merge area as they join I-5 traffic.
Crews began making temporary repairs on the bridge on Monday. The repair work may slow traffic on Pacific in Everett but drivers traveling on southbound I-5 will likely not notice the work.
For the next several weeks, drivers can expect daily single lane closures on Pacific Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Depending on the amount of work crews can accomplish, some nighttime total closures of Pacific Avenue may be required on weekends. All lanes of I-5 will remain open during this work.
On Friday, Dec. 1, an overheight vehicle struck the bridge and damaged two bridge girders. WSDOT bridge engineers immediately examined the bridge girders and determined it was safe for traffic. However, due to the damaged girders, crews restricted overweight semi-trucks greater than 105,500 pounds on all lanes of southbound I-5 until the barrier could be installed.
While WSDOT bridge engineers have thoroughly examined the damage, they have not yet confirmed a preliminary price tag for the permanent damage repairs nor have they estimated required lane closures on Pacific Avenue or I-5. The final cost will depend on how many girders need to be replaced and the time needed to complete the work.
WSDOT is working closely with the Washington State Patrol and the Everett Police Department to determine who is at fault. More information can be found on WSDOT’s I-5 Everett Expansion and HOV Project Web site <http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/I5/HOVSR526toUS2/>.
< Back to News Home