Date:  Friday, May 30, 2008

Contact: Colin Newell, Chehalis Area Engineer (866) 713-2412 (toll-free in Chehalis)
Jeremy Wright, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – The planned setting of the girders for the new Labree Bridge over I-5 has been postponed one day.

Beginning June 1, motorists should expect single lane closures for six nights starting at 9:00 pm, in both directions of I-5, at the location of the Labree Bridge (Milepost 74) as crews set traffic control barriers in preparation of girder setting.

Beginning June 3, motorists should expect additional traffic impacts due to girder placement for four nights. Between 11:00 pm and 4:00 am, interstate traffic will be directed on a short detour of approximately 500 feet around the project site so the girders can be installed. Between the hours of 4:00 am and 6:00 am traffic will be diverted back onto the interstate with single lane closures in both directions and return to two lanes after 6:00 a.m.

During the lane closures, work crews will bring in two cranes capable of lifting the 148-foot girders into place. Over the course of the four nights, 19 girders will be set.

Once finished, this project will improve roadway capacity by widening approximately four miles of I-5, from the Rush Road interchange to 13th Street interchange, and build a new interchange at LaBree Road in Lewis County. The interstate will be widened from two lanes in each direction to three lanes in each direction in the project area.

Construction is expected to last through 2009. During construction, motorists have experienced, and should expect shoulder and lane closures along I-5. WSDOT will notify the traveling public of these traffic impacts in advance. All traffic impacts will be made available as they are scheduled.

For more information about the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street Project, please contact WSDOT’s Chehalis Area Engineering Office by phone (866-713-2412), by e-mail (swChehalis@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/RushRd13thSt.

Advance 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. 

                                                      ###

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.

< Back to News Home