Date:  Thursday, July 10, 2008

Contact: Denys Tak, Project Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (toll-free)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

CASTLE ROCK – The Toutle River Rest Area on northbound I-5 in Cowlitz County will close due to construction, for two evenings, on July 15 and July 16, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The rest area is located on I-5 northbound, near mile post 54, just north of Castle Rock.

The closure will begin at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 through 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16. The same closure will then take place the following night of July 16, beginning at 11:00 p.m. through 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 17. Advanced signs will warn motorists five days prior to the closure.

As an alternate, motorists may use the southbound Toutle River Rest Area by taking the next exit and proceeding back south on I-5.

During the closures, construction crews will fix the pavement and panels on I-5 northbound in the vicinity, as preparation for paving. This work is part of the I-5, Castle Rock to SR 505 paving project, which begins on July 10. Crews will repave the roadway to build pavement depth and increase the life of the pavement, as well as provide a smoother, safer ride for motorists.

Construction is expected to last through the fall. 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. The traveling public can also get the latest travel information by calling 5-1-1 from most phones.

For more information about this project, please contact WSDOT’s Kelso Area Engineering Office by phone (800-545-1393), by e-mail (swKelso@wsdot.wa.gov), or visit the project Web page at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/CastleRockToSR505Paving.

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).

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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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