Date:  Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Contact: Colin Newell, WSDOT Project Engineer, (866) 713-2412 toll-free (Chehalis)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – The first of five I-5 improvement projects in Lewis County is being delivered ahead of schedule as the Washington State Department of Transportation continues building projects that support drivers and the economy. WSDOT and its contractor, Scarsella Bros. Inc., invite you to tour the new LaBree Road interchange before cutting the ribbon and opening it to traffic.

Construction on this project began in July 2007 and will be functionally complete in late May 2009, a full season ahead of schedule.

“This is the first step in delivering $380 million in improvements for I-5 in Lewis and south Thurston counties,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “What makes the completion of this project particularly satisfying is that it holds so much economic promise for the local community.”

The I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street Widening and Interchange project supports the economic vitality of Lewis County by providing direct access from the Port of Chehalis to I-5. The project improves safety and reduces congestion at LaBree Road by moving truck traffic from the local roadways back onto the interstate, which will help reduce conflicts between pedestrians, passenger vehicles and freight traffic.

During its peak in construction, this $52 million Nickel-funded project is estimated to have supported 235 direct and indirect jobs.

The ribbon cutting event, hosted by WSDOT, is Tuesday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the west end of the interchange, next to I-5. The event will feature remarks by Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and regional and local elected officials, including Senator Dan Swecker and Lewis County Commissioner Lee Grose.

The interchange will open to traffic in time for the commute that evening.

For more information about the I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/I5/RushRd13thSt. 

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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, including pictures, videos, news and blogs go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news. Get real time weather, traffic, construction alerts, pass conditions, ferry, railroad, and airline information at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or dial 5-1-1. TTY users - call 1-800-833-6388.

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