Date:  Thursday, August 14, 2008

Contact: Stacy Trussler, Deputy Project Director, (206) 437-4870
Steve Peer, WSDOT Communications, (425) 301-2023

BELLEVUE – The crunchers, breakers and dump trucks return to  I-405 in Bellevue this weekend as crews continue the demolition of the Wilburton Tunnel.

As part of the demolition work, crews will close southbound I-405 and several ramps in Bellevue between SE 8th Street and the I-90/I-405 interchange on Friday, Aug. 15 at 11 p.m. The roadway will re-open on Monday morning at 5 a.m. For a complete list of the ramps that will be closed please visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i405/112thavetose8th/wilburton

“Last weekend our crews made great progress removing a portion of the tunnel and the public did their part in using alternate routes,” said I-405 Deputy Director, Stacy Trussler. “We need to ask for the public to continue to do their part so we can avoid backups. Even with reduced travel, drivers should give themselves extra time to get around the region. If you need to travel, do it early or late in the day, and leave plenty of time.”

Drivers should also keep in mind the Seahawks have a home game at Qwest field on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.

Another full weekend closure is planned for Aug. 22-25 as crews remove the remainder of the Tunnel. Southbound I-405 will be closed at 11 p.m. on Friday night and open at 5 a.m. Monday morning. Drivers should call 511, check local media outlets and the WSDOT Web site to plan their trips.

The Wilburton Tunnel spans 360 feet and is located near downtown Bellevue on southbound I‑405, just north of the I-90/I-405 interchange. This section of I-405 represents one of the region’s worst traffic chokepoints. By removing the tunnel crews will make room for more southbound I‑405 lanes in south Bellevue. The new lanes will increase capacity resulting in improved road conditions, reduced congestion and safer merge conditions for drivers.

For up to date road closure information for projects on I-405 please visit the I-405 construction updates Web page: http://wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i405/conupdates. Please visit the page throughout the week, as we continually update the pages with the latest closure information.

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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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