Date:
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Contact:
Patty Michaud, WSDOT Communications, (425) 405-1785 (Everett), cell (206) 786-4079
Connie Lewis, WSDOT Communications, (425) 405-1796 (Everett), cell (425) 471-4222
EVERETT – For carpoolers on I-5 in Everett, mid-April brings relief from both tax stress and a taxing commute. If dry weather allows crews to restripe, drivers will notice a new northbound HOV lane between Broadway Avenue and US 2 Friday morning, April 18.
The northbound I-5 carpool lane is the latest segment to open of the more than 10 new miles included in the project. When all of the segments are complete, northbound I-5 carpoolers will enjoy a continuous HOV lane from downtown Seattle to US 2. Crews have already opened more than four miles of southbound HOV lane.
“The crews are working hard and moving fast,” said Project Director Mike Cotten. “Just this past week, they’ve opened 4.5 miles of new lanes, resurfaced two ramps, replaced the girder over Pacific Avenue and repaved the road underneath it. It’s an exciting time for the project and there’s more excitement coming.”
Crews will open the northbound I-5 carpool lane in segments through next week until they complete all six miles. They will restripe the north portion of the carpool lane first and, as dry weather allows, work their way toward SR 526 until the new lane meets the existing northbound HOV lane at SR 526.
“Opening the northbound HOV lanes from north to south helps maintain a smooth merge for carpools and transit as they transition into the mainline,” said Cotten. “The gap between HOV segments is temporary but necessary to keep traffic moving safely.”
Shifting traffic into the final configuration
Opening the new northbound I-5 HOV lane also means that drivers will notice a slightly different lane configuration as they pass Everett Avenue. By Friday morning, the far right lane will become an exit only lane to Marine View Drive. The three left lanes will continue toward the Snohomish River bridge.
“We need drivers to remember that this is an active construction zone.” said Cotten “Crews are shifting lanes and traffic into their final configuration so it’s important for drivers to continue to stay alert for changes and avoid going on autopilot.”
More openings coming as crews race ahead
I-5 Everett crews are racing forward to open more lanes and complete the ramp improvements. They plan to have all lanes and ramps open to traffic by June but drivers can expect minor work to continue through summer:
April
- open new northbound HOV lane between SR 526 and US 2
May
- open new HOV off-ramp from northbound I-5 to Broadway Avenue
- open new HOV on-ramp from Broadway Avenue to southbound I-5
- open new on-ramp from 41st Street to southbound I-5
June - August
- new traffic cameras and ramp meters
- landscaping
- replace aging expansion joints between 41st Street and Everett Avenue
The $263.4 million project is scheduled to be complete by this summer. Find out more about the I-5 Everett HOV freeway expansion project by visiting www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/HOVSR526toUS2.
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