400 Bags Of Litter Pulled From SR-512 In Puyallup

PUYALLUP, WA — A two-day cleanup project along SR-512 removed more than 400 trash bags worth of litter from the side of the road, and even more will be removed soon.

Starting Monday, Washington State Department of Transportation cleanup crews began cleaning the median of SR-512 near Pacific Avenue/SR 7. Since then they've cleared all the way to S. Meridian, and more is on the way.

Wednesday, WSDOT says crews will need to close the left lane of eastbound SR-512 at S. Meridian from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as they wrap up the week's work. Drivers are being warned to expect further delays during that time.

Crews will return next week, closing lanes on westbound SR-512 from South Meridian to SR 161 and South Fruitland Avenue East to Portland Avenue East Tuesday.

WSDOT is thanking commuters for their patience during this construction project, and reminding the community that this wouldn't have been necessary if drivers were more careful about preventing roadside litter. To prevent litter from piling up along our highways, WSDOT says the public should:

• Properly cover and tie down all loads on all trips.
• Keep trash and debris securely gathered in vehicles, so it doesn't fall or fly out of vehicles.
• Properly dispose of all trash in a vehicle litter bag or in a bin at a destination.
• Share litter prevention messages with family and friends. Visit org and SecureLoadsWA.org for litter prevention tips.
• If able, consider creating an Adopt-a-Highway group to join the valuable volunteers who help clear roadsides and other rights of way.