Yesterday the state Department of Transportation officially kicked off the 2011 construction season at one of its major projects in Lynnwood.

Work is already under way on the “braided ramp” on southbound I-5 at 196th Street SW. The goal is to prevent accidents and backups by separating traffic on I-5 and the SR 525 off-ramp from those exiting to the commercial district. 145 rear-end and sideswipe collisions were reported on this area of southbound I-5 between 2005 to 2009.

The $34 million Lynnwood project is one of hundreds paid for by the 2003 and 2005 gas taxes.

“Construction is a year-round job, but the most amount of work occurs from April through September,” said Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond.

Workers have been busy for the past several months along southbound I-5 in Lynnwood. You’ve undoubtedly noticed a short tunnel taking shape. That will eventually carry traffic to 196th. As the weather improves, the construction work — and the accompanying lane closures — are expected to increase.

To stay on top of this and other projects around Puget Sound, WSDOT encourages drivers to check its website, download a smartphone app or follow them on Twitter.