Date:
Friday, December 15, 2006
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
OLYMPIA – While Hood Canal and Tacoma Narrows bridges have reopened, the SR 520 Evergreen Point bride remains closed. Power is still out in many areas, and traffic signals, highway signs and traffic cameras remain dark.
With the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge closed, travel into Seattle is difficult on southbound I-405 to I-90. The I-5 Express Lanes are open, however, downed trees and power lines have blocked lanes on several highways and cut power traffic signals and electronic highway devices. Reports from the Seattle area indicate lighter traffic on I-5, while I-90 traffic is heavy.
When crews opened the drawspan of the SR 520 Bridge on Thursday, three of the hooks that connect the spans were sheared off by wave action. This is not unusual and is easily repaired. Winds have decreased over Lake Washington so crews are out starting repair work and assessments of possible damage from the storm. Crews still anticipate opening the bridge in time for the afternoon commute, however they will not reopen the bridge to traffic until it is safe for drivers.
WSDOT road crews are out throughout the state removing debris and helping drivers. WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol are advising drivers to stay off the roads if possible so crews can clear debris. Drivers are reminded if you need to travel look out for fallen debris and treat any blackened traffic signals as four-way stops.
These power outages across the state are affecting WSDOT traffic flow maps, ramp meters, traffic cameras, travel times, and electronic highway message boards. On the web, traffic flow map sections appear gray or white instead of the usual black, red, yellow or green. These services will become available once power is restored.
The 5-1-1 highway information hotline is available and WSDOT advises people to keep trying if they receive a busy signal.
Weather and traffic conditions are changing rapidly, for the most up-to-the-minute highway status, visit w
www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates.
Washington State Ferries boat captains are approaching ferry terminals with great care. This could affect ferry schedules. Riders should check the website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/index.cfm. Amtrak Cascades service has been cancelled today, due to trees and mudslides blocking the tracks. Amtrak is contacting affected passengers to alert them and motorcoaches will be provided for some cancelled trains. For more information, call 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245).
Weather reports indicate the winds will gradually decrease today. Concerns for later today include cooler temperatures and heavy snow expected in the mountains and snow reaching North Bend. WSDOT crews will also be ready for snow in coastal areas and on I-5 in the Everett area up through Whatcom County.
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