Date:  Thursday, May 29, 2008

Contact: Joanna Lowrey, Columbia Gorge Assistant Area Engineer, (360) 759-1310 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

VANCOUVER – Significant traffic impacts will accompany a project that will improve westbound SR 500 in the vicinity of the I-205 Interchange, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Crews began work on May 27 to excavate, pave and stripe a new merge lane extension that will improve safety and ease congestion on this section of SR 500.

From 10 p.m. on Friday, May 30 to 4 a.m. on Monday, June 2, the southbound I-205 to westbound SR 500 on-ramp and the northbound and southbound I-205 to westbound SR 500 loop ramps will be closed to all traffic. The ramp to Fourth Plain Boulevard and Westfield Shoppingtown Vancouver will remain open.

These closures are necessary in order for the contractor to work around the clock to complete construction in less than 54 hours, and minimize impacts to traffic over the longer term.

Advanced warning signs will be placed ahead of the construction area, and motorists are asked to observe and adhere to the posted speed limits when driving through the work zone. Motorists are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).

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

For more information about the SR 500 – I-205 Interchange Project, please contact WSDOT’s Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office by phone (360-759-1310), by e-mail (swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR500/I205Interchange. 

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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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