Pit River Bridge Backups Over Labor Day Weekend.

REDDING, Calif. -- The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 2 advises motorists to prepare for delays on the Pit River Bridge, 10 miles north of Redding on Interstate 5, during the Labor Day weekend.

Emergency deck replacement that began in July 2006 continues and contractors

Higher than normal vehicle traffic during the Labor Day weekend will create moderate to major delays northbound on Friday and southbound on Sunday and Monday, with the longest delays of two hours or more expected on Monday, September 2, between 5 and 6 PM.

Estimates of peak time delays at bridge:

Friday, August 31, 2007
    -- Northbound only:
       Peak 3:30PM - 5:00PM, 5 to 10 minutes
Sunday, September 2, 2007
    -- Southbound only:
       Peak 3:00PM - 7:30PM, 20 to 60 minutes
Monday, September 3, 2007
    -- Southbound only:
       Peak 11:30AM - 11:00PM, 20 min to 2 hrs

Conditions do not allow for opening additional lanes and Caltrans asks motorists to be patient, plan extra time to reach their destinations and choose off-peak times to travel.

Caltrans will use changeable message signs, highway advisory radio and the internet, at TUwww.caltrans2.infoUT to inform motorists of delay times and backups. Travelers can also get real time updated information by calling the Pit River Bridge hotline at 530-225-3054.

The California Highway Patrol will be enforcing speed limits and a service patrol contractor will be available to keep traffic flowing. The contractor can assist overheated vehicles with water, supply gasoline and/or tow disabled vehicles out of the roadway to keep traffic flowing.

What to do to make your trip more comfortable:

* Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, with a full tank of gas before starting your trip.

* Choose off peak times to travel and/or alternate routes.

* Bring along plenty of drinking water, snacks and something to occupy any children traveling with you.

* Charge your cell phone battery.

* Inform others of your planned destination, and let them know when you have arrived.

NOTE: An electronic version of this news release is available on the Internet at the following web address: http://caltrans2.info/roadinfo.htm