Date:  Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Contact: Erin Bogenschutz, WSDOT Communications, 206.440.4788 (Seattle)

SEATTLE – Crews have been out working since first light assessing and repairing damage to State Route 522 between State Route 202 and NE 195th Street in Woodinville.

Crews closed SR 522 during yesterday’s storm when water from nearby streams began to flow over the roadway. This morning, the waters began to recede and crews were able to open the majority of the highway. However, crews discovered that the water had washed away a section of the right shoulder measuring 60-feet long, 8-feet wide and 5- feet deep, which required them to keep the right eastbound lane closed all day.

Currently, crews are racing to repair this section of highway. They will work tonight until they can open the right lane, but drivers should be prepared for an extra tough commute tonight. Between 1,500 – 1,900 vehicles per hour typically travel eastbound SR 522 during the evening commute.

After the temporary repairs are completed today, crews will return tomorrow to continue to restore the roadway to its original condition. Crews hope to repave the shoulder tomorrow, but worry that more inclement weather could drag the repairs out farther. Drivers should be prepared for additional lane closures in the area while repairs are made.

Several road closures are still in place statewide. Motorists should check their route before they go at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update. If you must travel, be prepared for water over the roadway; unexpected debris on the roadway and downed power lines.

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