Date:  Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Contact: Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4475

SEATTLE – WSDOT maintenance crews will close one left lane in both directions of the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 29. During the closure, crews will repair two sections of concrete barrier that were damaged last week in a collision involving a semi.

• The left north and southbound lanes will close at 9 p.m.
• All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Thursday

“The damaged barriers will still do their job to keep drivers safe,” said Northwest Bridge Superintendent Archie Allen. “They’re interlocked with each other, but it’s important we fix the damaged barriers as quickly possible.”

Some of this work is likely to be noisy. Crews plan to use an air compressor and jackhammer for approximately one hour to remove concrete on the damaged sections. The city of Seattle has granted WSDOT an emergency exemption to its noise variance to complete this work.

Know before you go

Drivers who plan to travel the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge during these times should check the WSDOT Web site for the latest traffic conditions on the bridge: 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 1-800-833-6388.

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