Date:  Thursday, October 16, 2008

Contact: Scott Wilcox, WSDOT Bridge Supervisor, (360) 905-2206 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

VANCOUVER – Motorists traveling through Cowlitz, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties early next week should expect single lane closures on I-5, SR 4, SR 6, SR 505 and US 101 as bridge maintenance crews conduct routine inspections on seven of the region’s bridges. These bridge inspections will take place during daytime hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) beginning Monday, October 20 through Thursday, October 23. Single lane closures are necessary during these inspections for the safety of work crews and the traveling public.

Most WSDOT bridges are inspected every two years. In 2008, WSDOT is expected to inspect just under 2000 bridges and inspection crews are currently on schedule to deliver that program. For more information about WSDOT's bridge inspection program, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Bridge/Reporting/Inspection.htm

Bridges to be inspected Monday, October 20: 
• SR 4, Mill Creek Bridge (milepost 47.69) – Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 4. 
• SR 4, Elochoman River Bridge (milepost 33.71) - Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 4.

Bridges to be inspected Tuesday, October 21: 
• I-5, Cowlitz River Bridge (milepost 59.06) – Right lane closure northbound I-5 between 6:30 a.m. and 12 noon. 
• SR 6, Chehalis Riverside Bridge (milepost 50.94) - Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 6.

Bridges to be inspected Wednesday, October 22: 
• I-5, Cowlitz River Bridge (milepost 59.06) – Left lane closure northbound I-5 between 6:30 a.m. and 12 noon. 
• SR 505, Cowlitz River Bridge (milepost 6.79) - Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 505.

Bridges to be inspected Thursday, October 23: 
• SR 4, Grays River Bridge (milepost 19.30) - Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 4. 
• US 101, Astoria/Megler Bridge (milepost 0.41) - Traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on US 101.

Advanced warning signs will be posted during each bridge inspection. Motorists are asked to please pay attention to the warning signs and are also reminded that traffic fines double within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).

For weekly updates on this and all other traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction. 

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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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