Date:  Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Contact: Bob Kofstad, WSDOT Maintenance, 360-905-2130 (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2058 (Vancouver)

Motorists should be prepared for continued winter driving conditions

MOUNT ST. HELENS – WSDOT will reopen SR 504 (Spirit Lake Memorial Highway) east of Hummocks Trailhead at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 14.

WSDOT spent the last few weeks clearing four feet of snow from SR 504 and getting it ready for traffic. Crews dealt with continual snow and eight-foot drifts in some places. However, this winter could not compare with the winter of 2008, when crews found themselves clearing 10 feet of snowpack and 20-foot drifts at the end of May.

“Last winter was tough, and the weather has continued to challenge our crews this year as they worked to clear the highway all the way to Johnston Ridge,” said Sam Arola, WSDOT Kelso Maintenance Supervisor. “We’re pleased to be able to open SR 504 in time for the May 18 eruption anniversary again this year.”

WSDOT closes SR 504 each year due to hazardous snow conditions and the possibility of avalanches in some spots. The highway has been closed from Hummocks Trailhead east to the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center since December 12, 2008.

When WSDOT reopens the highway Thursday, drivers will find bare and wet roadway conditions. The weather forecast after reopening calls for showers and a snow level above 5,000 feet. Snow accumulation in the south Washington Cascades is not unusual this time of year, and motorists on SR 504 should be prepared for winter driving conditions with a full tank of gas, warm clothes, food, water and chains for their vehicles.

For weekly updates on this and other traffic information in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction.

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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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