Date:  Wednesday, June 03, 2009

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

SHINE – Draw span testing on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge commenced at 2 p.m. today Wednesday, June 3, putting the final operations leading to the bridge reopening in motion.

The 20, consecutive cycle tests – during which the draw spans are extended and retracted – are scheduled to take about eight to 10 hours to complete. The tests must be error free to meet operational standards that demonstrate a safe and reliable draw span. Even if crews have 19 successful tests and then the draw span doesn’t work, they must begin again with a count of zero.

“This is what we’ve all been waiting for,” said Dave Ziegler, principal engineer. “Once we’ve completed 20 error-free cycles, we expect to reopen the bridge within the next couple of hours.”

After the bridge is open, WSDOT will continue to provide transportation services for the day the bridge opens and one day after to help travelers return to their normal commute. The Port Townsend to Edmonds car ferry will end soon after the bridge is open. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting www.hoodcanalbridge.com or by calling 1-877-595-4222.

Progress reports will be posted every two hours on the Hood Canal Bridge blog and the latest project photos are available at Flickr. The Hood Canal Bridge replacement started May 1 and improves the existing east half, making it wider, safer and more reliable.

The Hood Canal Bridge reopening will be celebrated June 6, 2009 at two venues: 11 a.m., ribbon-cutting, Salsbury Park, Kitsap County; noon-8 p.m. Bridge Opening Bash, Port Townsend.

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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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