Date:
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Contact:
Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
BATTLE GROUND – A project that will construct a new interchange at I-5 and State Route 502 will begin this spring. This contract was awarded to Kerr Contractors, Inc. of Woodburn, Ore. who submitted the winning bid of $28,394,392. This project is funded through the 2003 Nickel Legislative Funding Package.
The new interchange will connect I-5 with SR 502, improving travel times and increasing safety in the area. “We’re looking forward to beginning construction on this project. When completed, this project will reduce travel times by providing a direct connection between I-5 and Battle Ground,” said Area Engineer Chris Tams. “It will also improve safety for those traveling on I-5,” he added. Safety will be improved, as the number of vehicles backing up on the current northbound I-5 off-ramp at the NE 179th Street exit will be reduced.
Construction is expected to last through 2009. During construction, motorists should expect shoulder closures and some lane closures along I-5 and SR 502. In addition, when bridge girders are installed over I-5, motorists should expect major traffic impacts; WSDOT will notify the traveling public of these traffic impacts in advance. All traffic impacts will be made available as they are scheduled. For weekly updates on this and all other state traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction.
For more information about the I-5, SR 502 Interchange Project, please contact WSDOT’s Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office by phone (866-279-0730), by e-mail (swgorge@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR502/Interchange.
Advance warning signs will be placed ahead of the construction area, and motorists are asked to observe and adhere to the posted speed limits when driving through the work zone. Motorists are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).
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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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