Date:  Friday, April 24, 2009

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

SHINE – It’s just a matter of days until the State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge closes for six weeks – which means the drivers of those 100,000 vehicles that cross the bridge each week need a plan for getting around the canal.

On May 1, the bridge closes for approximately six weeks so WSDOT can replace the east half and east and west trusses. The temporary closure results in a wider, safer, more reliable bridge but it also creates unique transportation challenges for those traveling between the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.

“We’re getting down to the wire, but it’s not too late to get ready,” said Region Administrator Kevin Dayton. “Our goal is help people understand their travel options so they can plan ahead and determine which route works best for them.”

WSDOT is recommending people call 1-877-595-4222 or visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/. The Web site features videos on how to get around, transit schedules and an interactive online map to plan trips to and from the peninsula.

Transportation options include:

• A fare-free passenger-only water shuttle between Jefferson and Kitsap counties with fare-free transit connections, and nearby park and rides
• A Sunday through Thursday, reservation-based car ferry between Port Townsend and Edmonds to assist freight haulers and drivers
• A fare-free, reservation-based medical bus service that will transport people to and from the Olympic Peninsula, Kitsap County and Seattle
• Driving around on US 101 and SR 3
• Ridesharing
• Booking flights on local airlines, and rides on buses and boats

WSDOT is working to help travelers “know before they go” by regularly updating its Web site, blog and project information line 1-877-595-4222, sending regular e-mail updates, and providing the latest views of the highways via traffic cameras. Drivers can get up-to-the-minute information on incidents that affect traffic by calling 511, listening to WSDOT’s highway advisory radio, getting text message updates, or viewing signs along the highway.

The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement is now 91 percent complete. For more information, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/.

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