Date:  Thursday, December 11, 2008

Contact:
Brenden Clarke, WSDOT Project Engineer, 360-874-3010
Emily Pace, WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2716 
Trooper Krista Hedstrom, Washington State Patrol, 360-405-6613

PORT ORCHARD - Significant delays are expected this weekend on State Route 16 as crews building a new interchange at Burley Olalla Road squeeze eastbound traffic down to one lane. The lane closure is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 through 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15.

This work is the second of two steps to pave detour routes that get traffic around the construction of new SR 16 bridges. Weekend lane closures last month - when crews paved the westbound detour - resulted in delays up to 30 minutes.

"We are projecting congestion to be even worse this weekend," said WSDOT Project Engineer Brenden Clarke. "The traffic volumes are more concentrated in the eastbound direction."

The lane closure also requires a vehicle width restriction. No vehicles wider than 12 feet will be allowed through the construction zone. Closure date may change in the event of severe inclement weather.

Drivers are advised to:

• Go early, stay late: Highest traffic volumes are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Alternate routes are available.

• Know Before You Go: Check the WSDOT Travel Alerts Web site at http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/ or call 511 to get current travel information.

• Give 'em a Break: Drive carefully through the work zone.

State Patrol issues 139 speeding tickets near Burley Olalla

The Washington State Patrol issued 139 speeding tickets recently during a three-day emphasis patrol on SR 16 near Burley Olalla Road, where the speed limit is 40 mph.

"All tickets were written for 10-plus mph over the speed limit," said Trooper Krista Hedstrom. "Motorists can expect to see WSP working this area heavily as the construction project continues."

For more information about this $24.3 million "Nickel" safety project, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR16/BurleyOlalla/.

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