The Clog

The Clog, a blog on all things I-5 construction, will be your one-stop shop during the closure. It offers the latest news and updates, tips on alternate routes and transit, maps and gives you a chance to share your tales from the road. Check back for updates and read what others are saying.

Find transit options | Your guide to surviving the I-5 mess | Map (PDF)

Blog Home

August 15, 2007 6:45 AM

DOTS says thanks, remember to stay off I-5

Posted by Cory Tolbert Haik

As the big Interstate 5 construction project enters its third weekday, transportation officials are hoping commuters will avoid what seems like a temptingly clear freeway.

For the second workday in a row, traffic volumes remained lighter than normal with minimal backups during the afternoon commute through the northbound I-5 construction zone. However, traffic volumes on I-5 and two key alternate routes increased over Monday's afternoon and early evening commute.

Compared to Monday, afternoon and evening volumes increased 10 percent on I-5 at Boeing Access Road, seven percent on SR 99 at the First Avenue S. Bridge and four percent on I-405 in north Renton.

"We need drivers to stay the course, or we'll be in for a very slow commute," said Mark Leth, traffic engineer for the state Department of Transportation (DOT), which is repairing and resurfacing a mile of the northbound freeway at South Spokane Street.

Digg | Newsvine