Date:  Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Contact: Becky Hixson, WSDOT Communications, 360-870-8130

Draw span fit up started, transition spans placed

SHINE – East met west this Memorial Day weekend when the two SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge draw spans came together for the first time. Calm weather allowed crews to align the spans and begin operations to attach bumpers to the end of each. The large, rubber bumpers help keep the draw spans from damaging one another when the bridge is in the locked position.

Accomplishing this work and several other milestones – transition span placement, roadway span placement and Q/R pontoon joint grouting – means the bridge is likely to open to traffic the first week of June.

“Our crews really hit the ground running after those weather delays,” said Dave Ziegler, Hood Canal Bridge Principal Engineer. “We’re making the right kind of revisions to the schedule – the kind that has us opening sooner, rather than later. And that’s great news for everyone.”

When the bridge first closed to traffic, WSDOT was preparing travelers, residents and businesses for a six-week closure. Unseasonably foul weather added three days to the contract timeline, but substantial progress has moved up the projected bridge reopening date.

The critical work elements that remain include: pulling together or “tensioning” pontoon UVWX/RST joint from 50 to 100 percent; completing concrete closure pours between roadway spans; setting and installing expansion joints; completing electrical wire connections; bolting structural connections; testing the draw span; and striping the roadway. Another schedule update will be provided by the end of the week.

The closure continues to be challenging for travelers. WSDOT encourages people to review their transportation options 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 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 going, go to www.wsdt.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or be dialing 5-1-1.

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