Date:
Monday, August 20, 2007
Contact:
WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
WSDOT Public Hotline, 206-440-4704 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – Heavy morning rain around the region made for a difficult commute and a soggy morning for crews working to complete construction on northbound I-5 south of downtown Seattle.
While many drivers slowed down for the slick conditions, collisions and stalls blocked traffic on I-405, SR 167, Airport Way and 4th Avenue, while heavy traffic and lower speeds caused back-ups on SR 509 and SR 99.
“We’re more than halfway done with this project and drivers are still doing their part to help keep traffic moving,” said Regional Administrator Lorena Eng. “Unfortunately, this wet weather is making driving a bit difficult and is threatening to delay our paving work. I’d like to remind drivers to slow down and leave plenty of stopping distance between you and the car in front of you.”
Construction
Crews were able to complete scheduled paving overnight before the rain began this morning. They are getting some rest before returning this afternoon, when they are hoping for a break in the weather. WSDOT and the contractor will be checking weather conditions throughout the day. Crews need a six hour window to place pavement properly and ensure it’s durability. If a six hour window of dry weather seems imminent, they may fire up the giant blow dryer to help dry the existing pavement and start paving sooner.
Meanwhile, crews are making great progress on expansion joints. Steel work on 26 of the 34 expansion joints is now complete and work is underway on the last eight expansion joints. During the rain, crews set up canopies in order to weld the joints. Throughout the day, other members of the crew will work to prepare the remaining joints for welding.
Crews are still on track to finish work by Saturday morning, Aug. 25.
Traffic
The West Seattle Bridge/Spokane St. on-ramp will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights this week. Drivers are encouraged to continue using transit, taking alternate routes and delaying discretionary trips, as only two northbound I-5 lanes will be open through the duration of the project.
Drivers can plan their route at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/AlternateRoutes.htm. Keep track of construction work as it happens at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/traffic.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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