Date:  Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Contact:
Jeff Cook, Project Manager, 253-383-9622
Joe Irwin, WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2703

Crews identify and correct west-half hydraulic system issue

SHINE – WSDOT is resuming functional tests on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge after identifying and correcting a hydraulic issue discovered during earlier west-half draw span tests. Testing will recommence at 10 p.m. Monday, March 8 and continue nightly until completed.

The three sections of the west side lift span were operating at different speeds caused by unequal hydraulic pressure. After a series of diagnostic tests, crews adjusted the systems and confirmed proper operation during two short test openings late last week.

“With the lift span issue resolved, we can continue with the remainder of our functional testing on the west half and take a large step toward completing construction-related openings of the bridge,” said Kevin Dayton, regional administrator. “We certainly appreciate the continued patience of the public while we complete our testing checklist.”

WSDOT estimates that functional testing, which is approximately 50 percent finished, will take about six nights to complete. Test openings of up to 90 minutes will occur between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. West-half functional testing will be followed by about three nights of tests of both the east and west draw spans. When both functional and draw span tests are complete – which could be as soon as 10 days once testing resumes – construction-related openings of the bridge and the west-half retrofit project will conclude.

For more information about the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge East-Half Replacement and West-Half Retrofit Project, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/. 

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