Date:
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Contact:
Sandy Lam, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
SEATTLE – WSDOT contractor crews are working to replace 49 concrete panels on northbound I-5 just south of Downtown Seattle. So far crews have removed more than half of the concrete panels, and hope to begin pouring new concrete this afternoon.
Traffic
Drivers are currently facing three mile backups through the construction zone. We expect congestion to continue to pick up over the next several hours. Please factor delays into your travel times today.
Three of five lanes on northbound I-5 between South Albro Place and South Spokane Street are closed for construction. Most drivers understand they can use two left lanes to get through Seattle. This includes the HOV lane, which is open to all drivers though the construction zone.
Drivers can use alternate routes such as I-405 to get around Seattle. Those entering Seattle are advised to use South Airport Way, SR 99, and SR 509. It may take drivers an extra hour to get from Southcenter to I-90 during peak travel times.
Progress on the job
So far, crews have removed 29 of 49 broken concrete panels, and anticipate beginning to pour new concrete panels this afternoon. They have also completed grinding 3,000 square yards of bumpy concrete. At this time, we are on track to reopen all northbound lanes by 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23.
Got questions?
Questions into our Ask WSDOT inbox are few and far between. If you have a question about this weekend’s work, please drop us a note at wsdotconstruction@wsdot.wa.gov
Follow the traffic and the progress
WSDOT has many ways you can stay on top of the traffic and the work on this project:
This $21 million project is funded by the 2003 gas tax dollars. This project puts 80 Washington union workers to work.
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