Date:  Wednesday, December 05, 2007

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

OLYMPIA - Weather conditions have improved and water is receding around Western Washington, allowing WSDOT crews to clean up and reopen roads. When floodwaters were at their peak, roads were closed in nearly 60 separate locations because of mudslides, standing water, and downed trees and power lines. Just over 24 hours later, WSDOT crews were able to clean up and reduce the number of closures by two thirds.

Interstate 5 remains closed in both directions near Chehalis and WSDOT engineers are anxious for water to recede so they can assess the damage and begin clean-up and repairs to this crucial stretch of freeway. Detour routes around the closure have been well traveled and WSDOT appreciates the freight community’s support in getting the word out about these available travel alternatives.

Significant progress was made Tuesday, with crews reopening US101 and US 12 in Grays Harbor county, a vital link between Aberdeen and I-5. Several other roads on the Olympic Peninsula reopened throughout the day, allowing access into and out of most cities that had been isolated because of the flooding. State Route 4 was also reopened late Tuesday, reestablishing a vital link between southwest Washington coastal areas and the I-5 corridor.

Crews continue to make progress in opening highways, with widespread clean-up continuing. As floodwaters recede, WSDOT bridge inspectors are starting to get out and inspect bridge and overpass foundations, looking for significant cracking or concrete erosion.

Hundreds of WSDOT crews have been working around the clock and in potentially dangerous conditions, with extremely few injuries reported.

Several road closures are still in place in many areas and drivers are advised to check their route before they go at www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511. Out of state callers can call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

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