WSDOT Projects

Drivers will still be able to get from one side of Hood Canal to the other during the May-June 2009 Hood Canal Bridge closure when they need to visit family, attend an event, go to a medical appointment, shop or visit the Olympic Peninsula.

WSDOT is moving forward to implement the $11.8 million 2009 Closure Mitigation Commitment Plan (1.39 mb pdf) that will help drivers get where they need to go during the six-week bridge closure in 2009.

Closure Mitigation Commitment Plan

The plan specifically addresses Hood Canal Bridge drivers’ top concerns voiced in the 2003 Hood Canal Bridge User Survey: getting to their destination on time; knowing the fastest routes; avoiding traffic congestion; and, getting help to make travel easier.

Plan elements include: making improvements and adding traffic control on alternate driving routes such as US 101 and SR 3; providing transportation options, including a water shuttle across Hood Canal and transit connections; implementing additional rideshare opportunities; offering assistance to get to medical appointments, and communicating the closure details through a public outreach program.

Alternate Driving Routes and Traffic Control

1. Temporary improvements to state highway locations that will experience increased traffic during the bridge closure.
2. Implementation of the incident management plan, including use of Incident Response Trucks, maintenance trucks, Washington State Patrol patrols, signage at key decision points, highway advisory radio, variable message signs and radio alerts to assist drivers.

Transportation Options

1. A water shuttle service across Hood Canal, between South Point in Jefferson County and Lofall in Kitsap County.
2. Water shuttle docks and parking for the water shuttle service.
3. Transit service from the water shuttle docks.

Rideshare Opportunities

1. Assistance with finding rideshare opportunities prior to and during the closure by utilizing the existing Puget Sound Rideshare database system.
2. Implementation of the public outreach plan, including informational posters, e-mail rider alerts, Web site pages and brochures.

Medical Transportation Assistance

1. A reservation-based transport service from Lofall to Seattle, Bremerton and Silverdale for people with conditions that require life-sustaining treatments.
2. Community outreach with Emergency Medical Services groups to facilitate region-wide planning and driver preparedness.

Public Involvement

1. Community outreach tactics such as newspaper and radio ads, brochures, posters, direct-mail postcards and community presentations.
2. Distribution of information through tourism and business interests, local community groups and the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization.
3. A media relations campaign featuring bridge closure information.

Plan Implementation

The specific method of implementing the closure mitigation plan could change between now and the 2009 bridge closure. WSDOT will continue to develop plans for the water shuttle as well as assess recommended temporary improvements.

Coordination will continue with many groups that have an interest in the bridge closure. Most importantly, the public will be kept informed about the project and the many options that will be available to them prior to the 2009 bridge closure.