Date:  Monday, October 20, 2008

Contact:
Emily Fishkin, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program, 206-267-6821, 206-437-5061 (cell)
Victoria Tobin, WSDOT Urban Corridors Office, 206-464-1184

SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews re-opened both northbound and southbound lanes on the Alaskan Way Viaduct around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, more than five hours ahead of schedule. The viaduct was closed for its semiannual inspections on October 18 and 19.

In addition to structural inspections, WSDOT and the City of Seattle coordinated maintenance and preservation work during this closure. Work this weekend included:

• Repairing expansion joints and damaged bridge rails
• Applying a protective covering to exposed rebar
• Servicing drainage systems and traffic cameras
• Washing the walls of the Battery Street Tunne, and inspecting the lighting, fire suppression and ventilation systems
• Surveying hazardous materials in the Battery Street Tunnel 

WSDOT will release preliminary inspection results on Oct. 24, 2008.

We are moving forward to take down the viaduct in 2012. For more information, please go to www.alaskanwayviaduct.org. 

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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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