Date:
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Contact:
Mark Ettesvold, WSDOT Communications (509) 945-7702 (Yakima)
Mike Westbay, Communications Manger (509) 577-1617 (Yakima)
Will Smith, WSDOT Project Engineer (509) 577-1844 (Yakima)
Note: Live project web cameras were removed upon project completion (see below)
Roadway back to normal, good as new after two-week effort
EASTON - The Washington State Department of Transportation completed the two-week project to rehabilitate and resurface the Kachess River Bridge deck May 18, one day ahead of schedule. A smoother, safer bridge now conducts eastbound I-90 drivers over the river, 19 miles east of the Snoqualmie Pass. "Everything went well," WSDOT project engineer Will Smith reported. "The weather held up, the contractor [Concrete Barrier, Inc. of Everett] did great work, and we only had a couple of minor traffic delays." The speed limit on eastbound I-90 had been reduced to 50 miles per hour through the work zone. Smith commented that the traffic delays were longer than he had expected, in part because many drivers slowed considerably below the posted speed limit to get a look at the work. "We understand that it's interesting to watch the work as it's being done," Smith said, adding, "Our priority is getting drivers through the work zone safely and efficiently. I'd ask everyone to focus on the road." WSDOT provided live cameras for viewing project progress on the department website, and intends to provide such cameras on future projects whenever possible.
The resurfaced bridge deck marks the first of several 2006 projects on this stretch of I-90. Next up are three adjacent slope stabilization projects on Midway Curve, nine miles east of the Snoqualmie Pass summit. In January 2006 the WSDOT chief engineering geologist delivered a report to Governor Gregoire, evaluating the unstable slopes on the I-90 corridor from milepost 36 to milepost 68. WSDOT identified these three unstable slope areas as high hazard/high risk sites. On September 11, 2005, a sudden rock slide just west of the Snoqualmie Pass summit claimed three lives and shut down westbound I-90 for more than 13 hours. A second slide on November 6 of last year closed the pass for over forty hours until a temporary bypass could be constructed. For information on the slope stabilization projects, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/MidwayCurvesSlopeStabilization/
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Drivers can get real-time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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