Date:
Friday, June 22, 2007
Contact:
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, 206.714.1636 (cell) 206.440.4472 (desk)
KIRKLAND – One employee for WSDOT contractor Kiewit Construction was killed and a second sustained non-life threatening injuries this morning when the driver of a vehicle entered a construction work zone at NE 116th Street in Kirkland.
“Our hearts go out to his family. He was one of the good guys", said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT Engineer.
The Washington State Patrol confirms that a vehicle traveling northbound on I-405 swerved into the work zone just south of the NE 116th Street off-ramp and struck the two workers at 12:30 a.m. One worker was killed instantly. The second was pulled to safety by another crew member. He is resting at home.
Interstate 405 was reopened at 5:30 a.m.
An entire work crew was preparing for the weekend closure of lanes on I-405. During the closures, crews were scheduled to pave large sections of the road. These two workers were setting marks in the road for that work when they were hit.
That extensive weekend work between NE 85th Street and NE 116th Street has now been cancelled.
WSDOT, Kiewit, and the Washington State Patrol are investigating the incident.
“We can report that the driver of the vehicle has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault,” said Trooper Courtney Stewart, WSP.
“This is another reminder that drivers must stay attentive in work zones for their safety and for ours,” said Nielsen. WSDOT and Kiewit hold safety meetings every night before work. Both WSDOT and Kiewit adhere to national safety standards. www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/trafficoperations/workzone
All work on the I-405 NE 85th Street to 116th Street widening project has been suspended through the weekend as part of the safety stand down. Crews will reschedule this weekend’s work for another time. www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/KirklandNickelStage1/
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