Date:
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Contact:
Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Project Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
BATTLE GROUND – Motorists traveling I-5 and SR 502 in Clark County will notice speed limit revisions in the I-5, SR 502 Interchange work zone, announced Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT.) Revisions to both I-5 southbound and SR 502 in the construction zone begin July 23.
I-5 Southbound, North of Fairgrounds
The variable speed limit on I-5 in the SR 502 Interchange construction zone was reduced last month, slowing traffic from 70 mph to 60 mph. Motorists driving southbound through the construction zone will be required to drive the lower speed limit – 60 mph – for just one more mile, as they will enter a revised speed limit zone one mile earlier. The work zone is located just north of the Fairgrounds/ NE 179th Street Exit (milepost 9.5) to north of the McCarty Road overpass (milepost 13.3).
SR 502 (NE 10th Avenue)
Traffic on SR 502 (NE 10th Avenue) in the construction zone will be reduced from 50 mph to 35 mph. The revision to SR 502 is needed as the lanes are shifted and a temporary stop sign is installed in the construction zone.
The speed limit revisions will help improve safety for the traveling public and crews. WSDOT urges motorists to slow down and pay attention to the posted signs, for the safety of crews and motorists traveling I-5. Signs alerting drivers of the need to change lanes are placed one mile in advance of the lane closure.
The speed limit revisions will last through the duration of the project, scheduled for completion in 2009. WSDOT urges motorists to slow down when traveling through the work zone. An overwhelming majority - close to 99 percent - of people injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and passengers. So slow down, pay attention, help protect the worker and yourself.
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).
###
For tours of the construction zone, contact Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, at (360) 905-2078.
< Back to News Home