Governor Gregoire Directs Concrete Barriers to be Installed on I-5 Near Marysville

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2007

Report from WSDOT and the WSP finds cable median barriers decreased crossover collisions by 74%; unique circumstances near Marysville warrant concrete barriers

OLYMPIA - Governor Chris Gregoire today directed the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to immediately begin design work to install concrete median barriers on a stretch of I-5 near Marysville to increase safety for drivers. Cable barriers in northwest Washington stopped 96% of cars that struck them in the period from 1999 to 2005, but in February 2007, a southbound vehicle crossed through the median and struck a northbound charter bus, killing one and injuring another.

�We must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Washington residents on our state highways,� said Governor Gregoire. �Continued use of cable median and immediately beginning the work to install a concrete barrier are critical steps to enhance the safety of our state highway system.�

The report from WSDOT and the WSP indicates that there are compelling benefits to using cable median barriers around the state. Crossover median collisions decreased by 74% after cable median was installed and disabling and deadly median collisions dropped by 71%. During the next ten years cable median barrier could prevent more than 64 fatal collisions and 69 disabling collisions around the state.

�I appreciate that there is not one type of barrier that works in all circumstances. The report indicates that the unique circumstances in the Marysville area have created a situation that requires a different approach,� said Governor Gregoire. �It is time to begin the necessary work to install concrete barrier on I-5 near Marysville.�

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