Date:  Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Contact: Patty Michaud, WSDOT Communications, (425) 405-1785 (Everett), cell (206) 786-4079
Connie Lewis, WSDOT Communications, (425) 405-1796 (Everett), cell (425) 471-4222

EVERETT – Starting 4:30 a.m. Thursday, March 6, drivers in Everett will see something very different: a 1.25-mile traffic split around a construction zone in the middle of southbound I-5. Because the unusual lane configuration will be unfamiliar to drivers, WSDOT is reducing the speed limit to 50 mph from the Snohomish River bridge through the construction zone to keep crews and drivers safe.

“This traffic split requires drivers’ full attention and we want them to approach the construction zone very seriously,” said Sergeant Kirk Rudeen of the Washington State Patrol. “Troopers will be enforcing the 50 mph speed limit and as a reminder, traffic fines are double in construction zones.”

The southbound I-5 lanes will split around a construction zone between Everett Avenue and just north of 41st Street for up to eight weeks. Two lanes will run on the left side of the work zone, and one lane will be on the right. Drivers can use any of the three lanes to continue on southbound I-5. However, drivers wishing to use the Everett Avenue, US 2 or 41st Street exits must use the right lane.

“We ask drivers to take it easy, heed the 50 mph speed limit and allow extra time as they drive through the work area,” said I-5 HOV Project Director Mike Cotten. “Remember that if you want to continue on I-5, you can just stay in your lane as you approach the split. All three lanes continue southbound.”

During the closure, crews will replace a 95-foot-long girder that supports southbound I-5 over Pacific Avenue in Everett. In December 2006, a third party truck hauling an excavator, struck and severely damaged a girder on the I-5 southbound bridge passing over Pacific Avenue. While the bridge has been temporarily repaired to allow traffic to safely pass over and under it, crews must replace the girder to permanently fix the bridge.

Know before you go: visit WSDOT’s Web site for updates and real-time information
Drivers can use a variety of tools to prepare for their trip on southbound I-5 through Everett:

• Traffic flow map - Use the color-coded map to see whether traffic in the construction zone is heavy or light www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/seattle/
• Traffic cameras - Take a look at traffic conditions at the beginning of the traffic split www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/I5_emarineviews.htm
• Construction update report – Get comprehensive, seven-day advance listing of lane, ramp and road closures www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/Snohomish/Construction/default.htm#6991
• Project Web page – The Pacific Avenue girder replacement project page provides updates on crews’ progress www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/PacAveBridgeGirder/
• E-mail updates - Sign up for our Snohomish County e-mail update list. You’ll get advance notice of construction activity on I-5 in Everett and around Snohomish County delivered right to your inbox www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/Snohomish/Emailupdate/default.htm

Keeping traffic moving on the road

• 511 – This free driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information
• Overhead and roadside electronic signs – Crews will use electronic signs on I-5 in Marysville and Everett to alert drivers to the upcoming traffic split
• FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared Radar) plane –The Washington State Patrol Aviation Section will fly a FLIR-equipped aircraft over the project area. These specially-equipped aircraft will provide live streaming video of the traffic split to the WSDOT traffic management center.
• Incident response team – The WSDOT incident response team will be roaming the project area from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day to assist drivers and help clear blocking incidents from the roadway.

Find out more about the Pacific Avenue bridge girder replacement project by visiting www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/PacAveBridgeGirder/DetourMaps.htm.

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