Date:
Monday, June 18, 2007
Contact:
Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Project Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
BATTLE GROUND – Beginning June 22, motorists will notice a speed limit revision in the I-5, SR 502 Interchange work zone, as the speed limit is reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph on I-5, announced Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT.) The variable speed limit revision, lowering the speed limit as needed for construction, will take place in the work zone limits. The work zone is located just north of the Fairgrounds/ NE 179th Street Exit (milepost 9.5) to the McCarty Road overpass (milepost 12.3.) WSDOT urges motorists to slow down and pay attention to the posted signs, for the safety of crews and motorists traveling I-5.
Careless driving where motorists are required to merge necessitated the speed limit revision. A number of collisions have taken place since the project began. The majority of collisions have occurred when motorists have failed to change lanes in advance, where lanes are reduced from three to two. Signs alerting drivers of the need to change lanes are placed one mile in advance of the lane closure.
The speed limit revision will last through the duration of the project, scheduled for completion in 2009.
When completed, the new interchange will connect I-5 with SR 502, improving travel times and increasing safety in the area. 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.
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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For tours of the construction zone, contact Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, at (360) 905-2078.
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