Date:  Friday, July 24, 2009

Contact:
Kim Mueller, WSDOT Asst. Project Engineer, 360-412-3422
Jamie Swift, WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2703

LACEY – The nation’s most bicycle-friendly state adds to its friendly reputation with a state/city-funded project starting this week on Martin Way in Lacey.

The three-month project connects a quarter-mile gap in Lacey’s bike-lane network and extends the left-turn lanes for vehicles at the congested I-5/Martin Way interchange.

WSDOT awarded Bellevue-based Tri-State Construction, Inc. the $1.16 million construction contract. The City of Lacey contributed funding for this project.

While there are bike lanes along Martin Way, a gap exists in the system between the northbound and southbound I-5 ramps. This gap forces bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk or in the lanes.

The extended left-hand turn lanes will improve traffic flow at the busy interchange on Martin Way and at the I-5 on- and off-ramps.

Work activities that require lane closures will be scheduled at night. Pedestrian access through the work zone remains open during construction. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are urged to travel cautiously in the work zone.

Project information online: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/martinwaybikelanes/

Note: The League of American Bicyclists has rated Washington as the nation’s number one “Bicycle Friendly State” the past two years.

< Back to News Home