Date:
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Contact:
Colin Newell, Chehalis Area Engineer (866) 713-2412 (toll-free in Chehalis)
Jeremy Wright, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
CHEHALIS – The I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street widening project will reach an important milestone next week, as crews set the girders for the new Labree Bridge over I-5, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Beginning June 2, motorists should expect single lane closures for three nights starting at 9:00 pm, in both directions of I-5, at the location of the Labree Bridge (Milepost 89). Between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am, interstate traffic will be directed on a short detour of approximately 500 feet around the project site so the girders can be installed. Between the hours of 4:00 am and 6:00 am traffic will be back onto the interstate with single lane closures in both directions and returned to two lanes after 6:00 a.m.
During the lane closures, work crews will bring in two cranes capable of lifting the 148-foot girders into place. Over the course of the three nights, 19 girders will be set.
“This is an important milestone for the project because once the girders are set, we can move forward with the pouring of the bridge deck,” said Chehalis project engineer Colin Newell. “I am pleased with the pace and quality of work on this project and we continue to remain on schedule and on budget” concluded Newell.
Once finished, this project will improve roadway capacity by widening approximately four miles of I-5, from the Rush Road interchange to 13th Street interchange, and by building a new interchange at LaBree Road in Lewis County. The interstate will be widened from two lanes in each direction to three lanes in each direction in the project area.
Construction is expected to last through 2009. During construction, motorists have experienced, and should expect shoulder closures and lane closures along I-5. WSDOT will notify the traveling public of these traffic impacts in advance. All traffic impacts will be made available as they are scheduled.
For more information about the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street Project, please contact WSDOT’s Chehalis Area Engineering Office by phone (866-713-2412), by e-mail (swChehalis@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/RushRd13thSt.
Advance warning signs will be placed ahead of the construction area, and motorists are asked to observe and adhere to the posted speed limits when driving through the work zone. 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 state traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction/default.htm.
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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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