Date:  Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Contact: Susan Fell, Columbia Gorge Assistant Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2057 (Vancouver)

BATTLE GROUND – The new interchange at I-5 and SR 502 is open to traffic, but WSDOT crews will need to temporarily close the off-ramp from northbound I-5 to the interchange and the adjacent Gee Creek Rest Area entrance to install overhead directional signs.

Between midnight and 4 a.m. on the mornings of Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24, contractor crews will install two sign structures over the northbound off-ramp. Since the ramp allows traffic to access the rest area as well as the interchange, both will be closed to northbound traffic for the duration of the work.

Southbound traffic will continue to have access to the SR 502 interchange and the southbound Gee Creek Rest Area during this work.

Northbound traffic is asked to use the NE 179th Street exit (Exit 9) as a detour:

• From northbound I-5, take the NE 179th Street exit (Exit 9) and proceed straight ahead (north) onto NE 10th Avenue. Follow NE 10th Avenue for approximately two miles to the intersection of NE 10th Avenue and SR 502 (NE 219th Street). Stay straight to continue toward Ridgefield or turn right (east) on SR 502 to travel toward Battle Ground.

Advanced warning signs will be posted. Motorists are asked to please pay attention to the warning signs and are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled 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.

On October 15, WSDOT held a ribbon cutting celebration with Kerr Contractors, Inc. and local dignitaries to open the new SR 502 Interchange nearly six months ahead of schedule and $4 million under budget. The new interchange connects I-5 with SR 502, helping improve travel times and increase safety in central and northern Clark County.

For more information about the I-5, SR 502 Interchange Project, please contact WSDOT’s Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office by phone (866-279-0730), by e-mail (swgorge@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR502/Interchange.

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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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