Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.
- I-5 in Chehalis is open to all traffic. Please take care when driving through this area as the roadway may be a bit rough and wet.
- WSDOT and its contractor work non-stop to complete three runs of pipe in the new emergency pumping system to protect I-405 from a heavy rainstorm. All lanes of I-405 are now open.
- WSDOT crews are working around the clock to help keep drivers safe and to get highways open to all traffic. At last count, we have had 72 sections of road closed (pdf, 537 Kb);
- All 72 sections of roads which were closed or restricted as a result of mudslides, wind damage or flooding are now open.
- State Route 6 opened Dec. 29 on a limited basis during daylight hours.
- State Route 96 (Seattle Hill Road) near Snohomish reopened to traffic Dec. 31.
Why is WSDOT
working around the clock?
WSDOT crews are working around the clock to get highways open to traffic and to help keep drivers safe.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, receding flood waters revealed less damage to Interstate 5 than anticipated. Crews managed to prepare a northbound lane and a southbound lane through the flood area for low-speed truck traffic. The lanes opened to commercial freight haulers (10,000 GVW or more) shortly after 5 p.m., Dec. 6.
Friday morning, Dec. 7, WSDOT crews moved hundreds of Jersey barriers that were shifted by swift flood waters back into the I-5 median in Chehalis and reopened the freeway to all traffic.
Crucial artery
I-5 is a crucial freight and travel artery for the entire West Coast and the most heavily used highway in the state. It is critical to the regional, state and national economy. The annual value of trade between the greater Seattle and Portland metro regions was $19.7 billion in 2002, according to the most recent data available from the Federal Highway Administration Freight Analysis Framework.
The End Result
WSDOT will restore and reopen state highways as soon as they are safe for drivers.
Project Benefits
- WSDOT will restore access on routes affected by recent flooding as soon as possible. View current closures and restrictions on state highways.
What is the project timeline?
Friday, Dec. 7
- Friday morning WSDOT crews moved hundreds of Jersey barriers that were shifted by swift flood waters back into the I-5 median in Chehalis. At 11:45 a.m. crews reopened I-5 to all traffic.
- Read the rest of the timeline.
Public Involvement
WSDOT is asking drivers to:
- If possible, reschedule or delay trips through areas where highways are closed due to storm damage. We are eager to keep alternate routes open for vehicles conducting emergency response and carrying disaster relief supplies and provisions.
- If you must travel, be prepared for highway closures, water over the roadway, debris on the roadway and downed power lines.
- Take it slow.
- Do not drive through standing water.
- Know before you go. Check for highway closures before you depart for your trip.
- Watch for updates on overhead electronic signs and listen to WSDOT highway advisory radio when you are on the road.
- Take care when you see crews at work on or near roadways. Slow down as you pass by and allow ample space between you and working crews.
- Expect the unexpected. Fill your gas tank frequently and carry an emergency kit including water.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT is working to protect the environment while conducting clean-up and repair in the aftermath of the storm. In particular, we take protecting water quality very seriously and that is a high priority for us. WSDOT water quality experts are already working to repair damaged stormwater facilities.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
WSDOT is working around the clock to restore access along state highways and reestablish the crucial north-south corridor in southwest Washington.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT has been in contact with Tribes to offer assistance during the storm and its aftermath.
Financial Information
We are not yet able to estimate costs for storm emergency response and repairs. We are still assessing storm damage.
Governor Gregoire has declared a state of emergency.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
For more information about current highway closures, visit traveler information call our 511 toll-free information line. We are providing updates as conditions change.
If you have additional questions or comments, please contact WSDOT Feedback or call our receptionist at (360) 705-7000 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
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