Date:
Monday, August 13, 2007
Contact:
WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788 (Seattle)
WSDOT Public Hotline, (206) 440-4704 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – Interim Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond today thanked drivers for their help with a smooth morning commute and she encouraged them to continue using alternate routes; riding the bus, train and ferry; carpooling, vanpooling and shifting travel schedules.
"Drivers deserve a big pat on the back for their help today, but shouldn’t get lulled into complacency,” said Secretary Hammond. “Drivers need to continue to help or we’ll see back-ups."
Quicker-than-expected progress on the construction work also means crews could shift their focus to the west half of the northbound lanes as early as Thursday. When that happens, only two lanes of northbound I-5 will be open to traffic through the work zone. One of these through lanes will be on the collector-distributor lane, which also carries drivers to I-90, James Street and Madison Street exits.
Drivers do their part
Thanks to drivers traffic volumes on northbound I-5 through the downtown Seattle construction zone are staying low. If drivers return to their usual travel patterns, back-ups will occur.
The next test for traffic conditions comes tonight before the Mariner's game at Safeco Field. Drivers who are heading to the game will need to plan ahead because the 4th Ave. South off-ramp from northbound I-5 is closed to traffic.
Keep track of construction as it happens at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/traffic.htm.
During the around-the-clock closure for this project, construction crews will break apart old concrete surrounding 34 old, worn-out expansion joints, install new expansion joints and repave 1.13 miles of northbound I-5 between Spokane St and I-90.
For project details, resources available to get drivers through these closures, and suggestions for alternate routes, please visit the project Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/
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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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