Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
June 1, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Brandy Kessler
Phone:
(253) 536-4386
Cell: (253) 606-1796
E-mail:
brandy.kessler@wsp.wa.gov
WSP Warns Drivers of Expected Delays Northbound I-5 in Lakewood on Saturday
LAKEWOOD - The Washington State Patrol is, once again, joining WSDOT in urging motorists to avoid northbound I-5 in Lakewood Saturday, June 5.
This is the second weekend in less than a month that WSDOT will have continuous lane closures on I-5 south of Bridgeport Way in Lakewood.
The WSP along with WSDOT asks drivers to avoid the area if at all possible. I-5 northbound will have only two lanes of travel open from 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, June 5. If motorists don’t avoid the area or delay their trips until Sunday, backups could be up to 10 miles and reach into Thurston County.
WSP reminds motorists who must use this section of northbound I-5 to be prepared for delays and make sure you are equipped for long backups – motorists should make sure they have plenty of fuel and food and water for the trip.
Typically, over 70,000 vehicles travel this section of I-5 on any given Saturday. Events such as the Special Olympic Summer Games at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Mariners’ playing at Safeco Field, the Rainiers playing at Cheney Stadium and the Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field are expected to increase that number. Increased traffic volume with reduced lanes equals heavy backups and delays.
Traffic fines double in work zones and extra troopers will be in force watching for inattentive or aggressive drivers. Motorists are asked to pay close attention while driving through the work zone and allow plenty of stopping room between their car and the car ahead of them.
For more information about this and other traffic impacts in the Puget Sound area, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.