Date:
Friday, May 29, 2009
Contact:
Becky Hixson, WSDOT Communications, 360-870-8130
SHINE – Work on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Project is still on track to reopen the vital transportation link to vehicle traffic during the first week of June, several days earlier than originally scheduled.
The team is now focusing on important but not-so-visible tasks that must be completed before the bridge is safe for people to drive across. Since May 27, work progress includes:
• Pulling together or “tensioning” pontoon UVWX/RST joint – 75 percent complete
• Concrete closure pours between roadway spans – 100 percent complete
• Installing expansion joints – tensioned bolts and installed springs
• Completing electrical wire connections – pulled wire on west half
• Bolting structural connections – work continued on truss bearings
“Like when building a new house, even though it might look ready from the outside, there is lots of interior work to do before move in day arrives,” said Dave Ziegler, Hood Canal Bridge Principal Engineer. “The crews are working hard, 24/7 in fact, to tackle the remaining list of items left to complete before we can reopen the bridge to traffic.”
Of the “to do list,” the biggest task ahead is getting the draw span ready. Much of this work is tide dependent, making it difficult to predict a completion date. From now until the opening, crews will align the pontoons in the water, adjust the rollers that guide the retractable draw span in and out, install thick rubber bumpers and complete 20 perfect draw span openings. An update will be provided on Sunday afternoon describing how the remaining work is progressing.
After the bridge is open, WSDOT will provide transportation services for two days to help travelers reunite with their vehicles and return to their normal commute. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting 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 will improve the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable.
< Back to News Home