Date:
Monday, November 26, 2007
Contact:
Will Smith, WSDOT Project Engineer (509) 577-1840 (Yakima)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications Manager (509) 728-4712 (Yakima)
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
South Central Region - PO Box 12560 - Yakima, WA 98909-2560
TRAVEL ADVISORY November 26, 2007
WSDOT Detours Eastbound I-90 Traffic at Easton Tuesday, Nov. 27th
New I-90 Easton Bridge Girders to be Set Overnight While Traffic is Light
EASTON – A break in the weather, on Tuesday at about 3 p.m., has allowed WSDOT and the contractor to start setting new I-90 Easton Bridge Girders to replace the bridge span that was damaged Oct. 31st. Temporary traffic cameras are in place to view the work and it's affect on traffic. For a snap shot of the work being done visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/EastonBridge/
WSDOT and the contractor (Max J. Kuney Construction) have started setting the first of five bulb-tee girders. WSDOT plans on having all lanes open by 7 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28. The bridge work will continue into mid December. The goal is to restore access for the Easton community within 45 days of the collision that severely damaged the deck and lead to the demolition of the eastbound span.
Eastbound I-90 at Easton: Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 3:50 p.m., eastbound lanes were closed and eastbound traffic was detoured over the interchange on and off ramps. The new bridge girders will be set in place and bridge work will continue. Traffic should expect some delays, estimated up to 15 minutes, during afternoon and nighttime hours. An over height restriction will be in effect, starting Monday, Nov. 26 and is anticipated to end Dec. 16, for vehicles in the eastbound direction. Over height loads will be able to use the interchange exit 71 on and off ramps as a detour.
Project Description:
On October 31, 2007, an over-sized load struck the bridge girders on the eastbound span of the Easton Interchange Bridge over eastbound I-90 at exit 71. WSDOT bridge experts determined the bridge span was damaged beyond repair and an emergency contract was established to demolish the bridge November 1, 2007. This current project will construct a new bridge span over the eastbound lanes. To read more about this project visit the website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/EastonBridge/
Know Before You Go:
WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
• 511 - This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
• At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather drivers can look at weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state.
On the Road:
When driving on ice and snow, take it slow.
• Overhead and roadside electronic signs provide emergency and incident alerts.
• Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights - alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies (AM 1610 and AM 530) airing construction updates.
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