Date:  Thursday, April 30, 2009

Contact: Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4475 (Seattle)
Quick info link: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today

SEATTLE – It’s a busy weekend in the Seattle area: WSDOT contractor crews close lanes on southbound I-5, the Seattle Mariners play at home, the boat parade is planned for the Montlake cut and the annual March of Dimes Walk is on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This is a busy weekend. Know before you go is the best advice for getting around the Puget Sound.

I-5 in the University District
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/seattlepavementrepair/
This weekend, crews will close the two left lanes of southbound I-5 between 45th and Roanoke streets all weekend to replace 46 cracked concrete panels south of the Ship Canal Bridge. The southbound I-5 to eastbound SR 520 ramp will also be closed around the clock from 11 p.m. Friday, May 1 through 5 a.m. Monday, May 4.

• Cross-lake drivers can use I-90 or take a signed detour to access eastbound SR 520 east of the ramp. 
•  Boat aficionados heading to the Montlake cut for Saturday’s boat parade should use north-end alternate routes into the University District.
• The I-5 express lanes will run southbound all weekend.

The concrete panel replacement work tackles the worst bumpy areas on I-5 between south Seattle and Shoreline. This $21 million project supports more than 200 jobs and provides work for nearly 20 Washington state companies.

I-90 express lane closures begin Monday
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/HomerHadleyBridgeRepair/
At 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 4, WSDOT contractor crews will close the I-90 express lanes around the clock for 19 days to replace cracking expansion joints. These massive steel expansion joints help the bridge to flex with wind, water and weather.
We will replace the expansion joints in the express lanes in May and the westbound mainline joints in July.

• I-90 drivers can take alternate routes like I-405, SR 520 and SR 522.
• Carpool, vanpool or take the bus or consider leaving early or staying late and plan for doubled commute times.
• Drivers on alternate routes can expect more congestion during peak commute times.
• The express lanes east of Mercer Island will head east during the express lane work.
  This $8.3 million project supports an estimated 80 jobs.
  Seattle area events
  Several local events have drivers hitting the highways and local streets this weekend.
• The annual opening of boating season brings 900 boats to the Montlake cut and through the open Montlake Bridge Saturday, May 2. WSDOT crews will close the bridge (SR 513) to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, crews will close the westbound SR 520 ramp to Montlake Boulevard and the left turn lane of the eastbound SR 520 ramp to northbound Montlake Boulevard.
• The Seattle Mariners have three home games this weekend: May 1 at 7:10 p.m., May 2 at 6:10 p.m. and May 3 at 1:10 p.m. Drivers should plan for extra congestion near the stadium.
• The annual March of Dimes Walk has the northbound lanes (top deck) of the Alaskan Way Viaduct closed Sunday, May 3 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Hood Canal Bridge closures begin on Friday
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr104hoodcanalbridgeeast/

At 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 1, WSDOT contractor crews will close the Hood Canal Bridge around the clock for six weeks to replace the east-half floating section of the bridge. The end result will be a wider and safer bridge.

What should drivers do?

• Plan for delays on I-5 through Seattle this weekend.
• Check the Web for the latest information before you leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today.
• Check the Seattle traffic map to pinpoint and avoid congestion www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle
• Use the overhead freeway signs and the 511 driver information line to get up-to-the minute information on the road.

For more detailed closure information on these projects and other work this weekend, drivers should bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009 and check the “What’s happening now” link.

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