Date:  Friday, January 23, 2009

Contact: Joe Irwin, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 253-305-6412
             Becky Hixson, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 253-305-6450

SHINE – With a six-week SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge closure less than four months away, WSDOT and Kiewit-General crews this week began building docks at South Point in Jefferson County and Lofall in Kitsap County. The docks will serve as the launch points for temporary passenger-only water shuttle service during the bridge closure that begins May 1.

The first of four 80- to 100-foot long pilings were driven at South Point Tuesday and crews began driving the remaining four piles at Lofall on Wednesday.

Pile-driving work, which is scheduled to conclude within two weeks, will take place within the state-mandated fish window that ensures fish are not affected. WSDOT is taking additional environmental precautions around the work zones to reduce underwater noise.

Once complete, the pilings will secure two 30-foot by 80-foot floating docks in place. The docks and 150-foot gangways will be installed in late March and early April, providing travelers access to the water shuttle service.

“The six-week period won’t be easy,” said Dave Ziegler, Principal Engineer for the Hood Canal Bridge Project. “But we’re looking forward to providing the water shuttle as an alternative so people can avoid driving around the Canal during the closure.”

The May-June closure will be challenging for travelers. WSDOT encourages people to get ready now by reviewing their transportation options to determine the best route. “Get around” options include crossing the canal via a water shuttle; the free transit-connecting-bus services and the park and ride lots; taking the Port Townsend/Edmonds evening ferry or the Port Townsend/Keystone ferry; flying from Port Angeles to Seattle; driving around on alternate routes; or utilizing private boat services.

The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project is 88 percent complete and will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable. For more information, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/.

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