Washington Car Insurance News

SEATTLE – WSDOT bridge inspection crews report that they found no new settlement or structural damage during last week's inspection of the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct.

“While no new settlement was discovered by this inspection, we still consider the viaduct a vulnerable structure,” said Ron Paananen, WSDOT’s Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program Administrator. “We will continue moving forward to replace the structure, starting next year with the southern mile.”

The SR 509 closure points are I-705 in downtown Tacoma and Port of Tacoma Road in Fife. During the closure, a signed detour will reroute motorists to I-705, I-5 and Port of Tacoma Road.

“Critical parts of the planned work, such as restriping the roadway, require dry weather,” said Project Engineer Rumina Suafoa. “Canceling the closure and rescheduling the work was considered, but our contractor is confident crews can complete the work in a shorter time frame. This is good news – the project stays on schedule and there will be fewer traffic impacts for motorists.”

WSF is maintaining the Steilacoom II in excellent condition, but passage through Admiralty Inlet is very challenging for this vessel. This emphasizes the need to have a new vessel that is designed to handle the specific characteristics of this route. Todd Pacific Shipyards is more than halfway through the 18-month construction timeline for WSF’s first new 64-car ferry, which is scheduled to begin serving the Port Townsend/Keystone route in late summer 2010.

Updates will be provided as more information is known. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov

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