Date:  Monday, November 30, 2009

Contact: Susan Fell, WSDOT Project Engineer, (360) 759-1310 (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

Drivers can expect night time lane closures on I-5 through Dec. 11

RIDGEFIELD – Large construction equipment will dominate the I-5 median near the SR 501 interchange (Exit 14) as WSDOT’s contractor begins drilling and constructing shafts for the new SR 501 bridge this week. Drivers on both directions of I-5 can expect left lane closures through the project area (mile posts 13 to 15) during this night time work.

“Closing the left lanes will allow construction vehicles to safely enter and exit I-5, as well as provide for the safety of drivers,” said Columbia Gorge Assistant Area Engineer Susan Fell. “The equipment used for this work is very large and may catch drivers’ attention. We want to remind everyone to keep their focus on the road and help us keep the construction zone safe for drivers and crews alike.”

The first left lane closures will take place each night between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 2 through Friday, December 4. After a weekend break, work will continue with left lane closures each night between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday, December 7 through Friday, December 11.

The $20 million I-5 – SR 501 Ridgefield Interchange project improves safety and mobility on the interstate, SR 501 and adjacent roads by building a wider bridge to take SR 501 over I-5 and improving the I-5 on-ramps.

The project is funded through state and local funding sources and received 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds earlier this year, allowing WSDOT to begin construction earlier than anticipated.

Construction is expected to be complete in late 2011 or early 2012. For more information, please visit the project Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/I5/SR501Interchange/.

Washington State is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new website, www.recovery.wa.gov, enabling every Washingtonian to see where their tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden, a proven and aggressive Inspector General, to oversee all state’s recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted. 

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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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