Date:  Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Contact: Bronlea Mishler, WSDOT communications, 360-757-5947

BELLINGHAM – Drivers should expect delays on the Guide Meridian (SR 539) and detour routes this weekend during a four-day closure of the highway to replace a culvert at Deer Creek. Crews will close the Guide between Smith and Axton roads at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 and reopen it by 7 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the Guide this weekend if possible.

Delays could stretch up to three miles and last as long as an hour on the Guide and on detour routes. The posted detours will route southbound drivers west from the Guide on Axton Road, south on Northwest Avenue, then back to the Guide via Smith Road. Northbound drivers will detour on east Smith Road, head north on Hannegan Road, and return to the Guide on Axton Road.

Drivers are also encouraged to avoid using Hannegan Road as an alternate route because heavy traffic could cause lengthy backups. WSDOT encourages drivers familiar with the area to plan alternate routes using other local roads to get around the closure. With the help of drivers, delays can be minimized.

Businesses between Smith and Axton roads will remain open during the closure, and residents will have local access to homes and businesses. Detour signs will be posted and flaggers will direct traffic around the closure.

More than 20,000 cars travel the Guide north of Smith Road every day.

To read more about the Guide closure and view photos of the culvert, visit the Guide Meridian blog: http://guidemeridian.blogspot.com/

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