Date:  Thursday, March 12, 2009

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

TACOMA – If you have questions and concerns about the upcoming closure of the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge, but haven’t had time to attend a presentation in your area, don’t worry – the next one is easier to get to than you think.

WSDOT will host an on-line webinar from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 13. A webinar is a seminar transmitted on the Web.

The SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge webinar will provide information about a range of topics, from recent construction progress to the latest updates on getting around when the bridge closes for six weeks beginning May 1.

“The webinar will allow us to reach the community in a new way,” said Dave Ziegler, principal engineer for the Hood Canal Bridge Project. “We see this as using the available technology to save people interested in the project the time and travel expense they normally would have spent attending a public presentation.”

Visit the home page at http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/ to sign up for the webinar. The webinar is limited to 1,000 participants – so early registration is recommended.

The May-June closure will be challenging for travelers, but the Olympic Peninsula will be open for business. WSDOT encourages people to get ready now by reviewing their transportation choices. “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 is now at 90 percent complete. The project 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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