Date:
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Contact:
WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
WSDOT Public Hotline, 206-440-4704 (Seattle)
SEATTLE - Drivers traveling into Seattle on northbound I-5 through the project site will notice new signs today. Last night, WSDOT crews modified two overhead signs to help reduce confusion among drivers.
"We are constantly looking at ways to help drivers navigate the construction zone," said WSDOT Regional Administrator Lorena Eng. "There is a lot of activity and it can be confusing for drivers."
The overhead sign at exit 164A now has a shield for both I-5 and I-90. Late tonight, crews will also cover the yellow "exit only". Crews have also added an orange sign on the right side of the freeway that reads "I-5 NORTH" and has arrows for both lanes.
WSDOT traffic engineers hope these measures will convey to drivers that both lanes can be used for northbound I-5. However, they will continue to monitor the situation and make further modifications as needed.
Construction
Crews have finished work on the west half of 10 expansion joints. They will continue work on six more today. Crews also began paving at 6 a.m. this morning. Their goal is to pave 1,600 feet, but they may be forced to stop if it begins to rain. The giant blow drier is on standby in the event of rain, allowing crews to keep on pace to complete the project on Saturday, August 25 or sooner. Expansion joint work can continue if it rains.
Traffic
The backup this morning has been steady at 3/4 mile to Michigan Street. Traffic is still moving slowly as drivers merge out of the right lane near the collector-distributor lane at the last minute.
The longest backup yesterday was 53 minutes at 2:45 p.m. There was a 39% drop in traffic volumes on northbound I-5, while northbound I-405 saw an increase of 14% and northbound SR 99 had an increase of 19%.
Drivers are encouraged to continue using alternate routes or transit, as only two lanes of northbound I-5 will be open for the duration of the project. The West Seattle Bridge/Spokane St. on-ramp is closed until Monday at 5 a.m.
Weekend events
Drivers are reminded that the Mariners play at 7:05 p.m., there is a concert at Key Arena at 8 p.m. and Hempfest goes all weekend at Myrtle Edwards Park. On Sunday, the Mariners play at 1:05 p.m. and the Danskin Triathlon has the I-90 express lanes closed until 11 a.m.
Drivers can plan their route at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/AlternateRoutes.htm.
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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