ARLINGTON Crews working to improve State Route 9 between Arlington and Bryant are setting girders this week for the new bridge that will take the highway over Harvey Creek and Harvey Creek Road just a mile north of Arlington.
The first two girders were in place already by 10:30 a.m. after launching the process at 7 a.m. Monday morning.
The Scarscella construction companys team had originally scheduled the girder setting for last month but postponed the work after a crane broke down. A new motor block arrived from Germany last week and crews repaired the disabled crane.
We expect to have all six girders in place by Wednesday afternoon, said Project Engineer Marlin Lenssen.
Crews were scheduled to use two cranes to set two girders each day, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Drivers can expect lane closures in each direction of SR 9 from 256th Street to Harvey Creek Road from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through Friday, March 21. After the bridge girders are set, crews will continue working to widen the highway.
Setting the bridge girders is a big milestone for this project, said Lenssen. Despite the short delay, we are still on schedule and expect to open the new turn lanes and straightened roadway to traffic by this fall.
The foundation for the bridge was developed throughout last year and once the girders are in place, they will start finishing the bridge, which largely comprises a new stretch of highway that will eliminate a sharp curve on the existing SR 9, commonly known as Suicide Hill.
In addition to straightening the dangerous curve, crews are also adding new turn lanes at the intersections of 252nd St. NE and 268th St. NE and upgrading lighting to enhance safety on the highway. Culverts are also being installed to improve fish passage.
This $20 million project is funded in part by the 2003 Nickel Gas Tax.
For more information on the project see the Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR9/SchlomanTo268thNE.
For traffic, weather and other transportation information drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that manages 4.6 million calls each year.
Callers can use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users should call 1-800-833-6388.