November 2009
- Construction is under way to strengthen the I-90 bridges over I-5 in Seattle. You can Plan ahead with our 2009 construction Web site.
- We expect to complete the project in June 2010.
- Drivers can expect up to 250 nighttime lane or ramp closures to 4th Avenue South and northbound I-5. Learn more at our updated closure information page.
- Detours will be provided.
In 2009 and 2010 WSDOT will strengthen the columns, girders and crossbeams of the double-decked overpass that carries I-90 over I-5 in Seattle, and the nearby 12th Avenue S. bridge, which is also known as the Jose Rizal Bridge.
Nightly closures will reduce lanes and close exit ramps on I-90 and I-5 near Fourth Avenue S.
During the closures, drivers will see detours diverting I-90 traffic around the construction closures. Drivers should allow extra travel time for detours.
Plan ahead for major roadwork and congestion on I-5, I-90 and other routes. Visit our Puget Sound 2009 construction season Web site.
Night closures on I-90/I-5 bridge ramp
March 2009 through June 2010
Drivers can expect up to 250 nighttime lane or ramp closures near the I-90/I-5 interchange, including:
- Westbound I-90 ramp to Fourth Avenue S
- Eastbound I-90 to northbound I-5
- Single lane closures on I-5 and eastbound I-90
Night and weekend closures near 12th Avenue S bridge
May 2009 through May 2010
Drivers can expect:
- Three weeks of nightly lane closures on eastbound I-90
- Two weekend closures of the westbound I-90 to northbound I-5 ramp
Why are the closures necessary?
The top deck of the I-90 bridge over I-5 carries eastbound traffic. The lower deck carries westbound traffic. Crews will work from below to strengthen the supports of each bridge deck. Crews must close the westbound I-90 lanes that exit to Fourth Avenue S when crews are working on the eastbound supports. Crews will close lanes on I-5 and nearby exit ramps while working on the westbound supports.
Although 12th Avenue S is a city of Seattle street WSDOT is responsible for upgrades to the portion of bridge that crosses over I-90 because the bridge was extended to make room for the I-90 completion project. Closures are necessary to access the columns and supports below the bridge.
Why is WSDOT
strengthening the supports of I-90 overpasses and the 12th Avenue S. bridge in Seattle?
Seismic retrofits help protect drivers, buses and pedestrians on or below bridges during earthquakes. The retrofitted columns are designed to hold the center of the column together and rotate at the top and bottom allowing the bridge to move, but not collapse. Concrete catcher blocks help stabilize the bridge deck with extra support at both ends of the bridge.
These improvements are part of WSDOT’s Seismic Retrofit program. In this program WSDOT is strengthening more than 900 bridges and structures across the state to better withstand earthquakes.
The End Result
Strengthening these bridges will bring them up to current seismic standards and reduce the likelihood of collapse or damage in a severe earthquake.
Project Benefits
Safety. Seismic retrofits help protect drivers, transit and pedestrians on or below bridges during earthquakes
What is the project timeline?
• October 2008 – we advertised the project to potential contractors
• December 2008 – we selected PCL Construction Services, Inc. of Bellevue to be our contractor
• March 2009 – construction begins
• June 2010 – construction ends
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $14.3 million
- Pre-existing funds - $100,000
- Total funding available from all sources - $14.4 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Contact:
Project Engineer: Aleta Borschowa
Phone: (206) 768-5862
E-mail: borscha@wsdot.wa.gov
Greg Phipps
WSDOT Communications
Phone: (206) 464-1265
E-mail: phippsg@wsdot.wa.gov
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