Local

Guide Meridian reopens near Lynden, but delays may continue

By Jim Donaldson

jdonaldson@bhamherald.com

A worker with the Washington state Department of Transportation pumps a polymer into holes drilled into a concrete bridge deck on southbound Interstate 5 in Skagit County on June 21. The polymer helps lift and stabilize the bridge deck to make a smoother ride. Crews used a similar technique on southbound Guide Meridian near Lynden this week.
A worker with the Washington state Department of Transportation pumps a polymer into holes drilled into a concrete bridge deck on southbound Interstate 5 in Skagit County on June 21. The polymer helps lift and stabilize the bridge deck to make a smoother ride. Crews used a similar technique on southbound Guide Meridian near Lynden this week. WSDOT Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald

Crews with the Washington state Department of Transportation finished work on Guide Meridian ahead of schedule Wednesday, reopening southbound lanes to traffic.

However, drivers should expect delays Thursday as crews close single lanes to finish up work on roadside barriers.

Southbound lanes of the road, also known as State Route 539, had been closed since Monday while crews leveled a concrete bridge deck. To do that, crews drilled holes in concrete panels, pumped in a polymer substance that expands to stabilize and lift the concrete to eliminate bumps and dips in the roadway. Workers then repaved the approach to create a smoother transition from the road onto the bridge deck.

This story was originally published August 3, 2017 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Guide Meridian reopens near Lynden, but delays may continue."

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