Date:  Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Contact: Scott Wilcox, Bridge Supervisor, (360) 905-2206 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – Motorists traveling I-5 southbound over the Cowlitz River Bridge (milepost 59.06) will encounter a right lane closure on Saturday and possibly Sunday for bridge inspection activities, announces the Washington State Department of Transportation. This weekend’s right lane closure is necessary for maintenance crews to safely inspect the bridge and conduct minor repair operations.

The right lane is scheduled to be closed beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, as crews conduct a thorough inspection of the bridge. Crews will also conduct various minor repairs to the bridge such as pothole patching, drain cleaning, and striping forms from the concrete pour of last month’s steel beam replacement project.

In February, a pothole was created on the deck’s surface after a steel beam had become dislodged underneath the bridge. A right lane closure on I-5 allowed crews to safely replace the damaged steel beam.

Motorists are asked to slow down and pay attention when traveling through the work zone. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging into the appropriate lane prior to approaching the work zone.

Advanced warning signs will be posted during the closure. Motorists are asked to please pay attention to the warning signs and are also reminded that traffic fines double within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).

For weekly updates on this and all other traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction/default.htm. 

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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

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