Date:  Thursday, January 22, 2009

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

SHINE – The view for Port Gamble residents will change during the next few months as sections of the new SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge are towed into the bay. Staging pontoons and trusses in Port Gamble Bay will save the state money and keep the project on schedule for the planned six-week closure that begins May 1.

While area residents are used to seeing pontoons R, S, and T in Port Gamble Bay, now through February residents can expect to see crews placing buoys and anchors in the bay. The east and west bridge trusses will arrive in March, followed by pontoons U, V, W and X in April. In May, all bridge sections will be moved from the bay and assembled to complete the Hood Canal Bridge. In June and July, all mooring apparatus will be removed.

“We want to thank the community for its continued support as we move toward project completion,” said Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation. “By temporarily staging bridge parts in Port Gamble Bay, we have saved the state time and money. The community and local permitting agencies have contributed to planning this work in a way that both protects area resources and meets the project’s goals.”

The May-June closure will be challenging for travelers. WSDOT encourages people to get ready now by reviewing their transportation options to determine the best route. “Get around” options include crossing the canal via a water shuttle; the free transit-connecting-bus services and the park and ride lots; taking the Port Townsend/Edmonds evening ferry or the Port Townsend/Keystone ferry; flying from Port Angeles to Seattle; driving around on alternate routes; or utilizing private boat services.

The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project is 88 percent complete and will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable. For more information, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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