Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G1−9: Weekend Closure for Resurfacing to Accelerate Construction

DESCRIPTION:

The I−405 project was Washington State's first experience with closing a north/south Interstate facility over an entire weekend to accommodate resurfacing operations. In the past, various closure operations had been used on the east/west I−90 corridor in the vicinity of Seattle. The more common practice has been to require nighttime paving operations, allowing the contractor to close only partial widths of the Interstate facility. Weekend closures usually require natural detour routes and are a more common practice on minor roadways where these detours can be accommodated.

Weekend closures are encouraged and considered on a project−by−project basis as a good alternative to a lengthy series of daily closures. Depending on the evaluation of alternative routes and the planned work operation. Washington has tried varieties of this type closure for other routes and work operations. With the evolution of public awareness, freeway cameras, websites, and media outlets, high impact, short term closures are being readily accepted. This approach does not work for all routes but based on Washington State's success, the agency considers full closures when evaluating future similar projects.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Due to the tremendous daily volumes for this route, no daytime lane closures can be attempted and all work operations requiring lane closures on urban freeways and often urban non−interstate routes have gone to all night work. In an effort to deal with noise ordinances and best mitigate the noise impacts, weekend closures have been used to shorten the exposure period. Secondary reasons include: minimizing the disruption to daily commuters; increasing the quality and safety of the paving operation due to the absence of traffic through the work zone; and providing the opportunity to research and measure the various impacts on commuters, trucking, and businesses, as well as safety characteristics and quality of the finished product.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Weekday traffic disruption is minimized for the largest portion of the project since the work is concentrated to specific hours. The public tolerates weekend traffic disruption, as it is known to be of short duration and they can plan accordingly provided they are given early notice and alternate routes are available. Positive public relations are a win−win solution and key to the success. Safety to the motoring public and work crews are greatly improved. Positive feedback from the public. Unimpeded access of equipment and materials to the job site.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Resurfacing of an urban Interstate. Demolition of bridge structures.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Washington

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Martin Weed, State Work Zone Engineer, Washington DOT
Phone: (360) 705−7293
E−mail: marty.weed@wsdot.wa.gov