Date:
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Contact:
Richard Hawkins, Assistant Project Engineer, (866) 713-2412 (Chehalis)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 600-2081 (Vancouver)
CHEHALIS – A project that will widen four miles of I-5 near Chehalis and construct a new interchange on I-5 at LaBree Road begins this summer. This contract was awarded to Scarsella Brothers, Inc. of Seattle who submitted the winning bid of $33,750,315. This project is funded through the 2003 Nickel Legislative Funding Package.
“We’re looking forward to beginning construction,” said Project Engineer Rich Hensley. “This is an important project that will help with improve safety and reduce congestion on I-5,” he added.
This project will improve roadway capacity by widening approximately four miles of I-5, from the Rush Road interchange to 13th Street interchange, and by building a new interchange at LaBree Road in Lewis County. The interstate will be widened from two lanes in each direction to three lanes in each direction in the project area.
Construction is expected to last through 2009. During construction, motorists should expect shoulder closures and lane closures along I-5. In addition, motorists should expect major traffic impacts when the existing LaBree Overpass is removed, and when new bridge girders are installed. 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/default.htm.
For more information about the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street Project, please contact WSDOT’s Chehalis Area Engineering Office by phone (866-713-2412), by e-mail (swChehalis@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/RushRd13thSt.
A future project, I-5, Mellen to Grand Mound will widen I-5 just north of this project. For more information, visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/MellentoGrandMound.
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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