EVERETT — With a forecast of dry weather and warm temperatures, crews for the state Department of Transporation are set to start wrapping up work on the westbound lanes of the U.S. 2 trestle this weekend.
The agency needs up to two more weekend closures to finish repaving, inspecting and repairing the roadway. All that’s left is a half-mile portion on the westbound lanes of the trestle between the Snohomish River and I-5.
The westbound lanes of U.S. 2 will be closed between I-5 and Highway 9 from 7 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. The eastbound lanes will be remain open.
The work is weather dependent. WSDOT needs a completely dry surface to ensure the waterproof layer adheres properly.
And as a general rule, the agency wants the temperature to be 80 degrees or above during the day and overnight lows to not dip below 60, which aids in the removal of the roadway.
WSDOT began the $11.7 million preservation job last year on the roadway that connects Lake Stevens and Everett.
Most of the 3-mile stretch, from I-5 to Bickford Avenue, hasn’t been repaved since 2002, according to WSDOT.
“Anyone driving over it could feel it,” said Frances Fedoriska, a spokesperson for the agency. “It was a bumpy, bumpy ride.”
A total of six weekend closures are needed to complete the project, but the agency was only able to get in four in 2018. Crews were able to finish work on the eastbound lanes, which are newer.
This weekend, crews will be removing the old asphalt and laying down a waterproof barrier before repaving the road. The trestle will also be inspected and repaired as needed.
If work gets postponed again, WSDOT plans to try next weekend. And if crews are able to be on the job starting Friday, another closure might not be needed to complete the project.
Roughly 22,000 vehicles cross the trestle each day, according to WSDOT. Transportation officials are warning that the work could create significant delays.
Detours will be in place. For drivers ultimately wanting to head south, the official route will take them south on Highway 9 to Cathcart Way toward I-5.
Northbound cars are encouraged to use Highway 9 to Highway 528 to connect with I-5.
Last year, there were delays of up to 45 minutes, Fedoriska said.
She encourages drivers to postpone their trip to another weekend, or travel before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
“There is going to be more traffic on east west corridors and city streets,” Fedoriska said.
Lizz Giordano: 425-374-4165; egiordano@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @lizzgior.
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