Date:  Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Contact:
Steve Bennett, Traffic Operations (360) 357-2673
Lisa Copeland, Olympic Region Communications Manager, (360) 357-2789

POULSBO – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is designating dozens of driveways on northbound SR 3 as no stopping zones to improve traffic flow to and from residences when the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge is closed to traffic.

Drivers can expect alternating traffic on SR 3 between the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge and Scenic Drive in Poulsbo next week as crews complete the work.

The weather-dependent work – scheduled nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 and Monday, Sept. 13 – entails installing six signs informing drivers about the new no stopping zones. WSDOT will also paint white diagonal marks in front of 36 driveways so motorists know not to block driveways and roadways when the bridge opens for marine vessels and traffic backs up on northbound SR 3.

“This is in response to concerns from residents who live near the Hood Canal Bridge, who for years have battled access in and out of their driveways during bridge openings,” said Kevin Dayton, WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator. “The first step in resolving this issue is letting the drivers know what these markings are and how they should respond when the bridge closes to traffic.”

The signage and driveway markings cost about $13,500 and complement ongoing work in the Hood Canal Bridge vicinity where WSDOT is adding nine sets of traffic cameras on SR 3 and SR 104 to help motorists “Know before you go” and plan ahead accordingly.

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