Date:  Saturday, July 11, 2009

Contact: Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788
Quick info link: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today

SEATTLE - Crews working to replace two 65-ton steel expansion joints that span the westbound I-90 floating bridge completed the six-hour, delicate and difficult operation just after 3 a.m., Saturday, July 11. Everything went according to plan.

The two expansion joints set into place overnight will allow the floating bridge to continue to flex with wind, weight and waves. The overnight work is part of the project to remove and replace old, worn and cracking joints on both the mainline and express lanes.

Overnight work
At 3 p.m. Friday, the barge “Los Angeles” began its trip way from the Duwamish Waterway through the Ballard Locks and the SR 520 bridge and tied up to the I-90 floating bridge. The barge, escorted by two tugs, carried a massive crane and the two 65-ton expansion joints. “We had to bring them in by boat,” said Russ East, Assistant Regional Administrator. “It was the best way to get them in here and keep westbound traffic moving on the express lanes.”

At approximately 10:30 p.m., the crane picked up the first joint on the east end of the bridge. As darkness fell, dozens of skilled laborers worked quickly to ease the steel joint into a small space. “It’s a large piece of steel and an even bigger crane. Everything must be precise. We measure in inches,” said Mike Coleman, WSDOT Project Inspector.

Shortly after, the crane backed away from the bridge and moved into position to place the second expansion joint on the west end.
The bike and pedestrian path reopened at 2:45 a.m. The joints were in place by 3 a.m. See the video on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHm9dDdzPlU

What’s next
It will take about two days to set the joints firmly into place. Crews will make adjustments to bring the joints into final position. “It must align with the grade and the road. It has to be absolutely perfect,” said Coleman. “Once you pour the concrete, it won’t move again. There are no do-overs out here.”

Crews hope to pour concrete early next week. At this time, the road is scheduled to open by Monday, July 20 for the morning commute.
 
To stay on top of traffic during the closure, go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today

WSDOT is replacing cracked expansion joints on westbound I-90 and the express lanes across the floating bridge. Engineers are concerned the joints could pose a safety concern if not replaced. WSDOT replaced the joints in the express lanes from May 4-16. The work on the westbound mainline lanes began July 5 and is expected to wrap up by July 20. For more information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/HomerHadleyBridgeRepair.

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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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