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Marine Work Starts at Hood Canal Bridge

Date:  Monday, April 16, 2007

Contact:

Theresa Gren, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, (253) 305-6428

Becky Hixson, Hood Canal Bridge Communications Manager, (253) 305-6450

SHINE — Commercial and recreational mariners are advised to use caution and remain at least 1,500 feet clear of the east half of the Hood Canal Bridge April 16 though September 2007. Several barges will be moored in the area to prepare for bridge construction work happening this summer. This equipment includes a one-of-a-kind barge that was specially fabricated by Jesse Engineering in Tacoma, Washington. 

The moored equipment is in preparation for anchor setting starting in May for the Hood Canal Bridge Project.  All 20 bridge anchors will be in place by mid-August. 

Parts of the shipping channel may be blocked while anchors are submerged along the canal this summer.  For more information, visit the United States Coast Guard Web site at www.navcen.uscg.gov/lnm/d13.  Signs are also posted at boat ramps and marinas in the vicinity of Hood Canal.

This marine work is essential to prepare for the 2009 bridge replacement and will not result in traffic delays. Nearly 20,000 vehicles travel over the Hood Canal Bridge daily.  It is approximately 1.5 miles long and the world’s longest floating bridge over salt water.

WSDOT and its contractor, Kiewit-General, remain on schedule to meet the May – June 2009 bridge closure and replacement date.  When finished, the Hood Canal Bridge will be wider, safer, and more affordable to maintain.  Visit www.hoodcanalbridge.com for more information.

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