A regional roundup from WSDOT, including I-5 slowdowns in the city as well as possible challenges elsewhere – if you’re hitting the road this weekend, read on:

WSDOT forecast: Weekend clear for work on I-5; SR 520 work cancelled due to predicted heavy rain; heavy snow on I-90 Sunday; road changes ahead for Tuesday’s M’s home opener

SEATTLE – It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend for WSDOT contractors, maintenance crews and engineers. WSDOT contractors will be busy on I-5 in Seattle with more concrete pavement work. WSDOT maintenance crews are gearing up for a Sunday of predicted heavy snow at Snoqualmie Pass. WSDOT engineers want drivers to be alert to changes on Royal Brougham Way in downtown Seattle ahead of Tuesday’s Mariner’s baseball home opener.

I-5 express lane work
www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/seattlepavementrepair/

This weekend, contractor crews will replace 29 cracked and broken concrete panels in the I-5 express lanes between Dearborn and Lakeview. Another set of workers will grind bumpy and rutted pavement between downtown Seattle and 85th Street . WSDOT bridge crews will also move in to perform required Ship Canal bridge inspections. Expecting heavier holiday weekend traffic, o ur traffic engineers looked at ways to open any portion of the express lanes to traffic. Because crews will be working at multiple locations, it is not possible.

“We reworked the schedule to get our bridge crews in while the express lanes were closed,” said Lorena Eng, Northwest Regional Administrator. “This means one less weekend closure in September. We think drivers will appreciate that.”

* This weekend, crews will close the I-5 express lanes from 11 p.m., Friday, April 10, through 5 a.m., Monday, April 13.
* Drivers headed north or south on I-5 through Seattle should expect up to 45-minute delays between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

When this portion of the $21 million project is complete, drivers will notice a smoother ride and better traction.

I-90 Snoqualmie Pass
www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/

Forecasters are predicting heavy snowfall across Snoqualmie Pass this weekend, especially Sunday. If your weekend plans call for skiing, snowboarding or family visits, please plan ahead and make sure you are prepared for winter driving conditions.

Downtown Seattle
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr519/

Contractor crews are building a new bridge over the railroad tracks on Royal Brougham Way near Safeco and Qwest fields. Bridge construction requires narrowing the street to one lane in each direction between Occidental Avenue S. and Fourth Avenue S. during major events and closing the street to through traffic at all other times until early spring 2010.

The Royal Brougham Way closures that began March 30 will get their first major test in the next 10 days. Sounders FC will play at Qwest Field Saturday, April 11, followed by the first Mariners homestand at Safeco Field starting Tuesday, April 14. And the AMA Supercross will occur Saturday, April 18, at Qwest Field.

What should drivers do?
Drivers are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes or plan for delays.

Drivers should

* plan for delays on I-5 through Seattle .
* check for snow before you head to the passes.
* check the Web for the latest information before you leave at www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today
* check the Seattle traffic map to pinpoint and avoid congestion www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle.
* use the overhead freeway signs and the 511 driver information line to get up-to-the minute information on the road.