Date:  Thursday, December 06, 2007

Contact: Public Road Condition Inquiries: Call 5-1-1/ out of state callers call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

OLYMPIA – WSDOT crews have opened one lane of I-5 in Chehalis in each direction to allow commercial vehicles over 10,000 GVW to travel from milepost 68 to 88. Crews were able to get the lanes open because receding flood waters on I-5 in Chehalis revealed fewer problems than anticipated.

“I-5 is crucial to our economy and I’m pleased that our hard-working crews were able to get the freeway open to trucks today,” said Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond. “We’re making every effort to get the freeway open to all traffic, but first we must get median barrier back in place to help keep drivers safe.”

Truck drivers will encounter mud, water over the roadway and other flood related damage. For one mile north of Chamber Way (milepost 79-80) all trucks are traveling in the southbound lanes without a median barrier. Washington State Patrol troopers are talking with each truck driver before they enter this section to explain the traffic revision and driving conditions.

No trucks are allowed to exit or enter the freeway between mileposts 68 and 88. No oversize loads are allowed.

The freeway is not expected to reopen to passenger vehicles until sometime tomorrow when crews replace barrier and make other repairs. When crews reopen the freeway to all vehicles a 50 mph reduced speed limit will be in effect until crews complete permanent repairs.

SR 7 is now open to all traffic.

WSDOT crews are working around the clock to help keep drivers safe and get highways open to traffic. At last count, we have had 64 road closures; 49 are now open and 15 are still closed or restricted as a result of mudslides, damage or flooding.

Drivers are advised to check their route before they go at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/. Updated travel information is also available by calling 511. Out of state callers can call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

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