Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Seismic retrofit work closes lanes on I-5 this week
Crews working on strengthening the beams, girders and columns of the doubledecked overpass that carries I-90 over I-5 in Seattle will be closing lanes this week.
- Tuesday, Nov. 24 - Crews will close the left lane of southbound I-5 where it passes under the I-90 ramp from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for seismic retrofit work.
- Tuesday, Nov. 24 - Crews will close the Airport Way and 4th Avenue off-ramps from the southbound I-5/I-90 collector-distributor from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Learn more about this project
Rockslide closes SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive)
A rockslide on Chuckanut Drive closed the highway until state geologists can assess the stability of the slope.
The rocks came crashing down Monday, Nov. 23 and briefly covered both lanes. Crews cleaned up most of the slide quickly but further evaluations of the slope above prompted them to err on the side of safety and close the road entirely until it can be analyzed. The road could reopen by the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 24.
The road is closed about three miles south of the Whatcom-Skagit County line. Businesses in the area can still be accessed.
See pictures of the rockslide on the WSDOT Flickr site.
Weekend planner
It is not construction, but special events that could cause some congestion on area roads over the long holiday weekend. People planning trips around downtown Seattle should plan ahead, particularly on Friday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 29.
- Friday, Nov. 27 - The southbound I-5 exit to Union Street (165B) is closed from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the Macy's Holiday Parade.
- Sunday, Nov. 29 - The Seattle Marathon will result in closures on several state roads.
- The I-5 express lanes closed until 9 a.m.
- I-90 center roadway closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between Seattle and Mercer Island
- Northbound I-5 exit to Lakeview Boulevard closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Southbound I-5 exit to Boylston Avenue E closed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- At the bottom of the Mercer Street exit from north and southbound I-5, no left turns will be allowed onto Fairview Avenue from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Westbound SR 520 off ramp to E. Roanoke Street closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ongoing nighttime construction
Crews continue to work on road construction projects throughout Puget Sound. Know before you go by checking travel times, the Seattle area traffic map or calling 511.
Pierce County HOV lanes
WSDOT is building the first set of HOV lanes in Pierce County between Port of Tacoma Road and the Pierce-King County line. Look at our construction update report for specific closure information.
I-5 pavement repair and panel replacement
Crews continue their work on grinding and replacing panels on I-5.
Check the I-5 pavement repair project for detailed closure information.
But wait, there's more
Please check the construction update Web site for a complete list of all WSDOT work affecting Puget Sound area highways. There are a lot of nighttime construction projects that could affect your commute.
Know before you go. Check our traffic cameras and Seattle area traffic map before you leave home.
Other commute planning resources:
Oversize load restrictions
Truckers can learn more on the commercial vehicle restrictions Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialVehicle/Restrictions/