Date:  Monday, January 14, 2008

Contact: Colin Newell, Chehalis Project Engineer, (866) 713-2412 (toll-free in Chehalis)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – Beginning January 21, the LaBree Bridge will close to all traffic until construction of the new interchange is complete. On the evening of January 23, contractor crews will begin the demolition of the LaBree Road bridge spanning I-5, requiring night time traffic shifts and causing possible delays for up to four nights.

During the closure of LaBree Road, crews will complete preparations needed for the demolition of the structure. The demolition work will be done in the form of “crunching” – a slow, methodical process of slowly picking away and containing small chunks of the bridge. This form of demolition removes the bridge in stages rather than all at once. The demolition work will be done at night time to minimize disruption to drivers on I-5, and to minimize traffic impacts resulting from the lane shifts.

The closures of I-5 lanes are as follows:

• January 22, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., January 23: Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-5, in both directions as crews shift the barrier and prepare for bridge demolition activities.

• January 23, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., January 24: Northbound traffic on I-5 will be re-routed into the southbound lanes, in order to safely close all northbound lanes for bridge demolition. Once the east side of the bridge is removed the northbound traffic will be returned to the northbound lanes.

• January 24, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., January 25: Traffic on I-5 will be reduced to one lane in each direction, as crews shift median barrier for demolition.

• January 25, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., January 26: southbound traffic on I-5 will be re-routed into the northbound lanes, in order to safely close all southbound lanes for bridge demolition. Once the west side of the bridge is removed the southbound traffic will be returned to the southbound lanes.

• January 26, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., January 27: Motorists should expect single lane closures on I-5, in both directions as crews reconfigure the median barrier to its original alignment.

During the closure of the LaBree Road, the detours will be:

• From the east: Motorists can take Hamilton Road south to Rush Road, and cross under I-5, then travel north on Rush Road to Bishop Road, then travel east to Jackson Highway.

• From the west: Motorists can take Jackson Highway west to Bishop Road, then travel south on Rush Road and cross under I-5, then travel north on Hamilton Road.

After the structure is removed, a new interchange will be built at the location. The new interchange is expected to be functional late next year.

Construction of the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street project began in July. Construction is expected to be complete in 2009. Originally, Labree Bridge was slated for demolition in late October, but further structural engineering review was needed to assure safe demolition. For more information on this project, visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/RushRd13thSt.

Advanced warning signs will be posted during the slowdowns. Motorists are asked to please pay attention to the warning signs. Motorists are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).

For weekly updates on this and all other traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction. 

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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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