Date:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Contact:
Broch Bender, WSDOT Communications, 206-437-6314
Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4475
Kirk Tullar, WSDOT Bridge Maintenance Specialist, 206-440-5127
SEATTLE – For the second weekend in a row, WSDOT bridge maintenance crews will close lanes on Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge to repair damaged pavement. However, this weekend crews plan to be off the road two hours earlier.
Scheduled lane closures:
- Saturday, July 26: two right southbound lanes will close beginning at 4 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by 10 a.m.
- Sunday, July 27: two left southbound lanes will close beginning at 4 a.m. Repair work begins at 5 a.m. All lanes will reopen by 10 a.m.
While drivers can still expect heavier than normal congestion on southbound I-5 on Saturday and Sunday morning, crews found ways to streamline their repair plans and to minimize traffic disruptions.
“It’s always tough to make repairs during the summer months because there are so many events in town and that means additional drivers on the road,” said Bridge Maintenance Specialist Kirk Tullar. “To keep traffic moving, we’ve adjusted our schedule to get our crews off the road earlier.”
Additionally, the I-5 express lanes will also be open to southbound drivers from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Know before you go
Drivers are still urged to plan extra travel time or take alternate routes, especially since the Seafair Torchlight Parade will draw thousands of people into downtown on Saturday evening. Traffic cameras and current conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle.
Nighttime noise
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.
Give ‘em A Brake
WSDOT asks drivers to “Give ‘em a Brake” in the work zone. Giving a worker a brake could give you a break too. An overwhelming majority of people injured or killed in the 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 the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge work zone
• Observe the speed limit (60mph) and don’t do anything else 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.
###
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.
< Back to News Home