Date:  Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Contact: Will Smith, WSDOT Project Engineer, 509.577.1840
Bob Hooker, WSDOT Assistant Project Engineer 509.577.1840
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications, 509.728.4712

WSDOT Travel Advisory

WSDOT detours US 97 traffic onto local roads near Toppenish July 21-24
I-82 and SR 22 are recommended as alternate routes

TOPPENISH– Starting Monday, July 21, WSDOT and our contractor will close a portion of US 97 between Toppenish and Wapato to do railroad crossing safety improvements. The closure will be 24 hours per day until the improvements are complete. This work is scheduled to be complete by Thursday, July 24.

Northbound and southbound US 97 traffic will be detoured onto Progressive Road and Olden Way Road, just west of Toppenish. All oversize loads are prohibited on the detour route. Due to the sharp turns associated with this detour, WSDOT is recommending northbound drivers consider using SR 22 through Toppenish to I-82 as an alternate route. WSDOT recommends southbound drivers use I-82 to Exit 50 and take SR 22 through Toppenish to connect with southbound US 97.

Orange signs and portable electronic message signs will direct traffic through the detour route.

Visit our Web site for the complete construction/maintenance update: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthCentral/Construction/

Drivers can now get current 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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