Date:  Thursday, May 14, 2009

Contact: Joe Irwin, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-6521

SHINE – Jefferson and Kitsap counties took a 943-foot step closer to being reconnected yesterday when WSDOT installed the first new east-half pontoon section on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge.

Pontoon UVWX – the longest of the new east-half sections – was towed out of nearby Port Gamble Bay early Wednesday morning. It was in place about 5:30 a.m. amidst a flurry of construction workers and derrick barges that have been a constant presence on Hood Canal since May 1 when the bridge closed to traffic for six weeks for replacement work.

“We completed removal work earlier this week – the east-half replacement is now officially under way,” said Dave Ziegler, principal engineer for the project.

UVMX pontoon is scheduled to be connected with retrofitted pontoon RST on Saturday, May 16. Pontoon UVWX comprises the new bridge’s easternmost floating section and will connect to the east truss. WSDOT is scheduled to set the east truss early next week.

“We’ve been making significant progress,” Ziegler said. “Much of the coming work will take place inside the pontoons – securing them and connecting electrical and mechanical systems.”

The six-week closure will be challenging for travelers. WSDOT encourages people to review their transportation options to determine the best route. “Get around” options include crossing the canal on a water shuttle; free transit-connecting-bus services and 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. Get more information about transportation options, including water shuttle and transit schedules, at http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/ or by calling 1-877-595-4222.

See the latest project photos at Flickr or read about construction updates on the Hood Canal Bridge blog. The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement – which is now 93 percent complete – will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable.

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