Date:  Thursday, September 18, 2008

Contact: Scott VanAntwerp, Tunnel Supervisor, (206) 440-5206
Sean McDermott, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4455

SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close all lanes of southbound Interstate 5 under the Washington State Convention and Trade Center overnight on Saturday to test the fire suppression system. The I-5 express lanes will run in the southbound direction during the closure to help drivers around the area.

I-5 lane closures:

• Saturday, Sept. 20 - Maintenance crews will close all lanes of southbound I-5 from Stewart Street to James Street from 11 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday to test the fire suppression system. 
• Saturday, Sept. 20 – Maintenance crews will close the on-ramps from Howell/Yale Street and Mercer Street to southbound I-5 at 10 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday. Traffic will be detoured at Stewart Street and will re-enter I-5 south of the convention center.

Adjusted I-5 express lanes schedule:

• Saturday, Sept. 20 – The I-5 express lanes will remain open to all southbound I-5 traffic from 10 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday. The I-5 express lanes will open in the northbound direction at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Flammable cargo will also be restricted under the Convention Center. Drivers transporting flammable materials on I-5 should use alternate routes such as Interstate 405, I-90 or SR 520.
Know before you go, check current traffic conditions online at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/


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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 800-833-6388.

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