The deadline for solo commuters to sign up for Metro Transit's reduced-rate vanpool deal for August has been extended a week — to Aug. 3. (The original deadline was today, July 27.)

The deal is to help commuters cope with Interstate 5 lane closures northbound next month for road work between South Spokane Street and Interstate 90. Closures are scheduled August 10-29 , and transportation planners anticipate widespread traffic backups on the freeway through the downtown area as well as on other streets as drivers seek alternate routes.

For the month, initial requirements and costs for new vanpool groups with as few as five participants is being reduced to $45 a participant, a savings of nearly half the regular monthly cost, for commuters who travel the I-5 corridor into or through the Seattle area. Metro will provide the van as well as maintenance, insurance, fuel costs and emergency roadside assistance, if needed.

For details about the van-pool offer, call 206-625-4500, or e-mail vanpool.information@metrokc.gov.