Date:
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Contact:
Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4475
Kirk Tullar, WSDOT Bridge Maintenance Specialist, 206-440-5127
SEATTLE – Drivers traveling through Seattle can expect weekend lane closures on the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge for the next two weekends as WSDOT crews repair potholes on the upper bridge deck. When these repairs are complete, drivers will enjoy a safer, smoother ride over the bridge.
Lanes will be closed as follows:
- Saturday, July 19: two right northbound lanes will close beginning at 3 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by noon.
- Sunday, July 20: two left northbound lanes will close beginning at 3 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by noon
- Saturday, July 26: two right southbound lanes will close beginning at 3 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by noon.
- Sunday, July 27: two left southbound lanes will close beginning at 3 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by noon.
“The repair work is needed because the bridge deck contracts and expands with the freeze and thaw cycles,” said bridge maintenance specialist Kirk Tullar. “That breaks up the concrete bridge deck and creates potholes.”
The northbound lanes will be repaired first because many drivers will be heading to the Bite of Seattle on Saturday and Sunday using the southbound lanes.
“There are a number of events in Seattle this weekend including the Bite of Seattle and a Mariners game Sunday afternoon,” Tullar said. “We’re staggering the work and starting early in the morning when traffic volumes are lighter to reduce delays.”
Two lanes will remain open in both directions during the closures. Drivers may encounter some backups in the late morning and should plan extra travel time. Traffic cameras and current conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle.
This work is noisy and residents will notice it. WSDOT crews use jackhammers, compressors and concrete saws. Large trucks and trailers will also be parked on the bridge deck. Crews realize the noise is an inconvenience to local residents, but this annual work is vital to maintaining this important bridge.
WSDOT asks drivers to “Give ‘em a Brake” in the work zone. Giving the worker a brake could give you a break too. An overwhelming majority of people injured or killed in a work zone are drivers and passengers. So slow down, pay attention and help protect the worker and yourself. Remember that it takes approximately 200 feet for you to stop your car when you’re traveling in a work zone.
Tips for driving in work zones
- Observe the speed limit (60 mph) and don’t do anything except drive while you’re in the work zone.
- Don’t use your cell phone.
- Don’t eat or drink.
- Don’t change CDs or radio stations.
- Don’t tailgate! Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
To read more facts and tips on driving through a work zone, please visit WSDOT’s “Give ‘em a Brake” Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Safety/Brake.
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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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