Date:  Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Contact:

Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4698 (Seattle)

Quick info link: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today

SEATTLE – WSDOT contractor and maintenance crews plan another weekend of road closures to replace worn and deteriorating pavement on I-5 in Seattle and SR 520 in Bellevue.

In Seattle, contractor crews plan to replace 28 broken and cracked concrete panels in the I-5 express lanes. They will also grind bumpy and uneven pavement in several locations. At the same time, WSDOT will perform routine inspections of the Ship Canal bridge.

By the end of the weekend we will mark the halfway point in a series of 14 weekend closures on I-5 for panel replacement.

This $21 million project was funded through the 2003 Nickel transportation funding package and supports more than 200 jobs. www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/seattlepavementrepair/

In Bellevue, drivers will see lane closures on westbound SR 520 between 124th Ave NE and I-405. Drivers can use two of four lanes. We will also close the on-ramp from 124th Avenue Northeast for the entire weekend. When work is complete, drivers will notice fewer bumps and the pavement leading to the bridges will last much longer.

This $9 million project supports 90 jobs. www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr520/i405towlakesampaving/

Weekend construction closures

I-5 Seattle

Crews will close the I-5 express lanes and all entrances and exits to and from the express lanes from 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, through 5 a.m. Monday, April 13. As is typical when we close the express lanes, we expect to see congestion in both directions starting at 11 a.m. and lasting through 6 p.m. both days.

SR 520 Bellevue

Crews will close two of the four westbound lanes of SR 520 between 124th Ave NE and I-405 from 11 p.m. Friday, April 10, through 5 a.m. Monday, April 13. We will also close the 124th Avenue Northeast on-ramp to westbound SR 520. Drivers will follow signed detours using Northup Way, 148th Ave NE and 108th Ave NE. Drivers can expect up to 30 minute delays through the construction zone during the day.

What should drivers do?

Drivers are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes or plan for delays.

Drivers should

• plan for delays on I-5 through Seattle and westbound SR 520 in Bellevue
• 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 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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