In spite of the complexity of the project, its fast-paced schedule and the recent heavy rain, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are ready to put the finishing touches on the new span, and slide it into place Saturday night, Sept. 14.
Detour details
Contractor crews will detour traffic on I-5 between College Way and George Hopper Road from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., using the detour routes that were established when the bridge was closed in late May. Updates on the detour hours will be available on the project web page. While the contractor expects the detour to last only 12 hours, it is a complex operation and the closure could be extended several hours. Drivers should check to ensure the roadway has been reopened before traveling Sunday.
Once I-5 traffic is detoured, contractor crews will move the two temporary spans out of the way using hydraulic jacks that slide on Teflon pads and long steel rails. Crews will then use a similar system to slide the new 900-ton span into position from the west side of the existing bridge and lower and lock it into place.
Prepare ahead and use tools to track progress
- During the detours, visit the camera page to see how the work is proceeding and current traffic conditions.
- Visit the project websites for updates, sign up for email updates or follow us on Twitter.
- Pack your patience and give yourself plenty of time to travel if you need to use this route during the detour.
- If you live in the area, shop early to avoid delays during the detour.
