I-5 closure news from Transportation

Photo by Lillian Furlong The Washington State Department of Transportation has begun major repairs to northbound I-5 between the Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge and I-90. The DOT predicts that nothing less than a 50 percent reduction in the number of daily car commuters will make a dent in the severe congestion expected daily through Aug. 29.

In preparation for the northbound Interstate 5 closures that are now in effect, the Transportation Department's Krystal Newton has been busy making perfect ride matches for Center commuters. Since June 1, she has formed four new vanpools and seven carpools. The department has also issued 80 free bus passes to employees who normally drive to work. The Hutch Pass is valid on Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, the Sounder and the West Seattle water taxi. The temporary passes are still available in the Transportation Office, J1-500.

Faculty and staff members using the free bus pass can also take advantage of the Trip Reduction Performance Program. TRPP is a grant from the Washington State Transportation Department that provides incentives to employees who give up their monthly parking and try an alternate commute. More information is available at centernet.fhcrc.org/CN/depts/transportation or by calling (206) 667-1438.

Transportation is ready to help you find a carpool or vanpool or participate in King County Metro's "Don't Let Fuel Costs Take A Bite Out Of You" program. Join the campaign and become eligible to win prizes that include a trip to Costa Rica.

In the meantime, see how others at the Center are getting around the I-5 closures in this KING-TV news story.

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