Date:
Friday, March 20, 2009
Contact:
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4698 (Seattle)
Kristy Van Ness, Alaskan Way Viaduct Communications 206-300-4312
Quick info link: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today
SEATTLE – A new forecast shows there should be no problems with WSDOT’s roadwork in Puget Sound this weekend. WSDOT contractor crews and bridge inspection teams spring into action this weekend on three roadways. Drivers should plan for lane and road closures in Seattle, Shoreline and Bellevue.
Construction closures
In Shoreline, contractor crews will close two of four lanes on southbound I-5 between 205th Street and 175th Street around the clock from 8 p.m. Friday, March 20 through 5 a.m., Monday, March 23 to replace 24 concrete panels.
In Bellevue, crews will close one of three westbound lanes on SR 520 from 130th Avenue NE to 124th Avenue NE around the clock from 11 p.m. Friday, March 20 through 5 a.m., Monday, March 23 to replace concrete bridge approach panels.
When work is complete, drivers will notice a much smoother road and WSDOT crews will rest easy knowing drivers will have a solid road to drive on for years to come.
The $9.4 million SR 520 work generates 94 jobs and provides work for 17 Washington companies. The $21 million I-5 work generates 200 jobs and provides work for 19 Washington companies.
Viaduct closures
In Seattle, WSDOT maintenance crews will close the Alaskan Way Viaduct from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for semi-annual bridge inspections. They will also close the Battery Street Tunnel around the clock from 11 p.m. on Friday, March 20 to 5 a.m. on Monday, March 23 to provide extra time for crews to inspect the fire suppression system among other life-safety systems.
“Our construction season gets busier every weekend,” said Lorena Eng, WSDOT Regional Administrator. “So far, drivers have stayed plugged in to avoid the construction areas. It’s really helped to keep traffic moving.”
For more detailed information about these projects and how they increase safety and improve congestion, please use the links below:
What should drivers do?
Drivers are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes or plan for delays.
Drivers should:
- plan for up to ½ hour delays on I-5 in Seattle and 15-minute delays in Bellevue especially early afternoon Saturday and Sunday when weekend trips are at their peak.
- consider using SR 99 as an alternate route to southbound I-5.
check the Web for the latest information before you leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today
- check the Seattle traffic map to pinpoint and avoid congestion at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle
- use the overhead freeway signs and the 511 driver information line to get up-to-the minute information on the road.
For more detailed closure information on these projects and other work this weekend, drivers should bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009 and check the “What’s happening now” link.
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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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