Date:
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Contact:
Will Smith, WSDOT Project Engineer (509) 577-1840 (Yakima)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications Manager (509) 728-4712 (Yakima)
TRAVEL ADVISORY
I-90 Easton Bridge Work Continues, Eastbound Lanes Occasionally Restricted
WSDOT Detours Eastbound I-90 at Easton occasionally over the next several days as the project nears completion.
EASTON – WSDOT will occasionally detour eastbound I-90 traffic onto the interchange ramps at milepost 71, so crews can finish repairing the damaged bridge.
WSDOT's Secretary Paula Hammond challenged the crews to finish this emergency repair within 45 days of the collision. WSDOT engineers are guardedly optimistic about the timely completion of this project in spite of recent weather and traffic related challenges. If all goes as planned, traffic will be able to cross the bridge by Saturday, December 15.
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: http://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
• At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, the color-coded map shows statewide traffic conditions, including construction delays and highway incidents.
• Drivers with web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access small-screen I-90 pass updates at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/small by clicking on the "mountain pass reports" link.
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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