Date:
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7850 (Olympia)
Alissa Bateman and Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications (360) 905-1556(Vancouver)
Travel Information - Call 511
OLYMPIA – As floodwaters slowly recede, WSDOT crews are out in force fixing the highway surface and replacing barriers to get one lane of I-5 through Chehalis open in each direction for commercial vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight (GVW). WSDOT anticipates that one lane of I-5 could be open in each direction tonight. The lanes will likely have a gravel surface. WSDOT will open the freeway to passenger vehicles and smaller commercial vehicles after a second lane in each direction is open.
Approximately three-quarters of a mile of the interstate remains under water. As a result, the closure of I-5 near Chehalis remains in effect. Drivers are still encouraged to delay discretionary trips. WSDOT will update the public via its Web site www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/2007Flood/ and through the media by 4 p.m. today and will continue to provide updates overnight as conditions change.
Commercial vehicle parking is not allowed on I-5 shoulders or in highway lanes. Any trucks parked on the shoulder or in travel lanes will be routed through current WSDOT interstate detours.
During the past 24 hours crews repaired more than 100 feet of damaged pavement and filled a large sinkhole on I-5 at the West Street overpass in Chehalis. The public can now view I-5 flooding and repairs using live snapshot cameras on WSDOT’s Web site.
Statewide Highway Closures
Drier weather is allowing WSDOT crews to assess damage and repair roads. We have had 64 sections of roadway closed; 48 are now open and 16 are still closed as a result of mudslides, damage or flooding. Crews are working around-the-clock.
Today, crews reopened additional sections of US 12 and US 101 in Grays Harbor County. Multiple mudslides along US 101 are keeping portions of US 101 closed along the Hood Canal coastline in Mason and Jefferson counties. One temporary lane has been punched through to allow emergency services to get through.
Drivers are advised to check their route before they go at www.wsdot.wa.gov. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511. Out of state callers can call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
Essential Freight and Passenger Vehicles Still Allowed on SR 7 Bypass WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol are allowing some trucks to use State Route 7 to bypass I-5 in Chehalis on a case-by-case basis. This is a much shorter alternate route than the interstate detour through the Tri-Cities. Trucks that are carrying disaster relief supplies, food, fuel, medical supplies, all supplies to schools and institutions and local deliveries to Lewis, Pierce and Thurston counties may now use State Route 7. Truck drivers must provide documentation. WSDOT is attempting to help keep freight moving without overloading SR 7.
Amtrak Cascades Resume Service
State-sponsored Amtrak Cascades trains resumed limited operations between Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Trains will be delayed due to freight traffic and track work. Travelers are encouraged to contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or at www.amtrak.com for updated schedules and information.
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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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