Date:  Friday, May 01, 2009

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

SHINE – WSDOT didn’t wait long to reach its first milestone on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Project. Before 7 a.m. today – just seven hours after the bridge closed to traffic – crews successfully removed the east half draw pontoon. It’s on its way to Sidney, B.C., where it will be used as a part of a pier for a new marina.

“The disconnection and float-out of the old draw span pontoon went off without a hitch,” said Dave Ziegler, principal engineer. “It feels great to have one major milestone out of the way. But many more still lay ahead.”

Like the construction work, operations of the transit service, the passenger-only water shuttles across the canal, park-and-ride lots and traffic on alternate routes are going as planned.

Removal of the 471-foot pontoon section keeps the construction work on schedule and allows crews to immediately begin operations to replace the existing east-half draw span assembly. The draw span assembly, which features the bridge’s “bulge,” is scheduled to be removed next week. The existing draw span assembly measures about 928-feet from end to end – that’s more than three football fields.

“The progress made today sets a good tone for the project, and helps us keep our commitment of reopening the bridge as soon as possible,” Ziegler added.

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; 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.

See the latest project photos at Flickr or get more information at http://www.hoodcanalbridge.com/. 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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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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