Date:  Wednesday, April 01, 2009

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

PORT GAMBLE – The last of four new bridge sections for the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Project arrived yesterday morning in Port Gamble Bay.

New roadway pontoon UVWX departed from Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle about 9 a.m. March 30 and was towed into the bay by three Island Tug and Barge about 7 a.m. March 31. Pontoon UVWX joins the east and west trusses and pontoon RST, and will be moored in the bay in preparation for May 1, when six weeks of bridge-replacement work begins.

“Completing outfitting and assembly of pontoon UVWX in the middle of winter was identified as one of the biggest risks of the project,” said Kevin Dayton, WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator. “Despite the record rain and snow and extreme temperatures, we were able to meet every scheduled deck pour and deliver a quality product on time.”

Pontoon UVWX, which is 925 feet long, will comprise the new bridge’s easternmost floating section, and connect the bridge to the east truss and a land-based approach span in Kitsap County.

The pontoon section will be the first of three pontoon assemblies that will be installed during the six-week Hood Canal Bridge closure.

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 on 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.

To view photos or watch video of pontoon UVWX as it departs from Seattle, visit http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/. The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project is now 90 percent complete. The new bridge construction will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable.

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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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