Date:  Friday, November 14, 2008

Contact: Joe Irwin, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 253-305-6412
              Becky Hixson, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 253-305-6450

TACOMA – Drivers looking to get out of their cars and into fare-free buses during the May-June 2009 Hood Canal Bridge closure can start getting ready now.

WSDOT posted transit schedules this week for the bridge closure at www.hoodcanalbridge.com, giving drivers information on how to use buses to access the fare-free water shuttle service between South Point in Jefferson County and Lofall in Kitsap County.

WSDOT is developing a series of tools to help the public make travel decisions during the upcoming bridge closure. The on-line schedules offer riders the convenience of one stop shopping for transit information before and during the closure.

“Fare-free transit is one way we are staying accountable to residents.  This will provide them a viable travel option during the six-week closure,” said Dave Ziegler, Principal Engineer for the Hood Canal Bridge Project.

Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam county transit organizations will transport residents between the water shuttle docks and communities throughout the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas during the six-week bridge closure. Bus schedules will coincide with the cross-canal water shuttle and the state ferries routes at Kingston and Bainbridge Island. Riders can also take fare-free buses to the Silverdale Transit Center, or use shuttle buses between the water shuttle docks and corresponding park and rides at South Point and Port Gamble.

WSDOT has been working with the transit agencies, area emergency management service providers, law enforcement representatives, residents and businesses to ensure the bus and water shuttle services accommodate as many people as possible.

“Preparing for the fare-free transit connections has been a collaborative effort,” said Dave Turissini, General Manager for Jefferson Transit. “Getting these schedules posted now allows riders to plan their routes early – something that will benefit them greatly when service begins.”

The Hood Canal Bridge Retrofit and Replacement Project – which is 86 percent complete – will take place from May-June 2009 and improve the existing structure, making it wider, safer and more reliable. For more information, visit www.hoodcanalbridge.com.

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