Date:  Monday, December 03, 2007

Contact: Public Road Condition Inquiries: Call 5-1-1/ out of state callers call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

OLYMPIA – Flooding on I-5 in Chehalis has forced WSDOT to close the freeway to all traffic and forecasted high winds have floating bridge crews on high alert.

I-5 will be closed from exit 88 near Grand Mound (approximately 20 miles south of Olympia) to exit 68 (11 miles south of Chehalis) due to flooding. The freeway will remain closed for at least 36 hours and likely longer while crews wait for the Chehalis River (at milepost 77-79) and Dillenbaugh Creek (at milepost 74) to recede. This is the first complete freeway closure due to flooding in this area since 1996.

Avoid Seattle-Portland highway travel if possible:

• If possible, avoid Seattle-Portland highway travel until floods recede. Rivers and streams continue to rise and additional highway and mountain pass closures are expected. If you must go, stay on the interstates. Note that the interstate detour route is 440 miles, takes at least seven hours during good weather and traffic conditions and is vulnerable to  winter closures near Snoqualmie Pass.
• From the Portland area: West on Oregon’s I-84 to Umatilla, Ore. then north on I-82 to the Tri-Cities/Richland, through Yakima and at Ellensburg, go west on I-90 to Seattle.
• From the Seattle area: East on I-90 to Ellensburg and then south on I-82 through Yakima and the Tri-Cities/Richland then west on Oregon’s I-84 at Umatilla, Ore. to Portland.
• US 12, US 97 and State Route 7 reserved for local traffic only. US 12 may close overnight due to flooding. US 97 is currently open to traffic though there is water over the roadway.
• Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVW are not allowed on State Route 7, from US 12 between Tacoma and Morton.

Downed trees and power lines along with mudslides and standing water have blocked lanes on several highways and isolated some communities in Pacific Coastal Areas and the Olympic Peninsula. Snow and slides have forced highway closures on I-90 and U.S. 2 in the Cascade mountains. Continued heavy traffic is expected in the greater Seattle area tonight, particularly if the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge must be closed to traffic due to high winds. WSDOT crews have been working steadily, responding to problems to keep roadways safe for drivers and emergency workers.

“Governor Gregoire has already declared a State of Emergency and this storm isn’t over yet,” said Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond. “Melting snow and rising rivers will likely bring floods and force additional highway closures in the next few days. Drivers need to plan ahead and exercise caution, particularly when they see water on a roadway or crews working to clear a road.”

Concerns for later today include more rain combined with high winds and a melting snow pack. Motorists should anticipate delays or closures through tomorrow. Weather and traffic conditions are changing rapidly. For the most up-to-the-minute highway status, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic. If you’re on the road, have a passenger call 5-1-1 to get timely updates. The storm could also affect Washington State Ferry schedules.

WSDOT crews continue to work at all hours to help keep drivers safe and roads open. They are working with local law enforcement and utility companies to remove power lines and debris from the roadway. Many crews must suspend work at night because daylight is needed to accurately assess dangerous conditions and conduct repair work safely. WSDOT emergency operations centers in Western Washington have been activated.

What can drivers do?

• Get the most up-to-date information from the WSDOT Web site (www.wsdot.wa.gov), the 511 phone line and local news media.
• Assess the weather situation before setting out.
• Do not attempt to drive through standing water on closed roadways.
• Take it slow.
• Read the overhead electronic signs and listen to WSDOT Highway Advisory Radio when you are on the road.
  

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