WSDOT will meet Gov. Inslee's challenge to complete the temporary bridge and reconnect I-5 by mid-June. Contractor crews will place two temporary bridge sections, side by side. One section will carry northbound traffic; the other will carry southbound traffic.
Gov. Inslee has also directed the state Department of Commerce to release $150,000 from its Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account to support local economies affected by the bridge collapse.
With the temporary bridge span re-opening on Wednesday, Amtrak has announced it is cancelling the one rount-trip run it had added between Seattle and Bellingham.
“Amtrak, Sound Transit and BNSF stepped up in the hours after the bridge collapse to help WSDOT quickly offer another mobility option for the traveling public,” said Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. “I am grateful for these efforts, and that this partnership came together at a critical moment to find solutions for Washingtonians.”
Gus Melonas, BNSF Railway regional director of public affairs said, “BNSF was pleased to help provide assistance for travelers during this crisis situation.”
We are thankful we could help the community and now it is time to get back to running our normally scheduled trains and delivering our rail-construction projects,” said WSDOT Rail Division Director Ron Pate.
WSDOT photo.