Date:
Friday, February 02, 2007
Contact:
Tom Gibbs, Aberdeen Maintenance Superintendent, (360) 533-9346
Kelly Stowe, WSDOT Communications, (360) 357-2716
ABERDEEN –Emergency work has caused the right lane of the Heron Street Bridge (westbound US 12), which takes motorists from Aberdeen to Olympia, to be closed to traffic. Additionally, no marine openings are being allowed.
This emergency closure is necessary for WSDOT crews to repair a cracked steel beam that supports the bridge deck. At this time, it is unknown how long this closure will be in effect.
Maintenance crews discovered the crack during a routine inspection this week.
Motorists can expect traffic delays in Aberdeen and are advised to allow for extra drive time. State Route (SR) 107 can be used as an alternate route.
The Heron Street Bridge was built in 1949 and carries 15,000 vehicles a day. Currently, there is a repair and retrofit project underway, which will renovate the mechanical and electrical systems of the bridge’s movable swing span. The $813,000 project also includes installation of blocks on the east approach span to increase safety in the event of an earthquake, and improvements to the bridge deck that will reduce maintenance costs and modify the deck grid surface to ensure a smoother crossing for motorists.
Drivers can call 5-1-1 or visit http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ for road and traffic updates.
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