Date:
Friday, June 30, 2006
Contact:
Dave Chesson, WSDOT Communications, (360) 757-5970 (Burlington)
Dave Crisman, Project Engineer, (360) 788-7400 (Mount Vernon)
FERNDALE – On July 10th WSDOT will begin construction on a project to relieve congestion and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians at the intersection of Grandview Road (SR 548) and Portal Way Road north of Ferndale. Crews will install a new traffic signal, add pedestrian crossings and make other safety improvements.
The new traffic signal will replace the existing four-way stop, and will help vehicles flow more smoothly and safely through all directions of the intersection. It will also help prevent drivers from getting stranded on nearby railroad tracks by coordinating with the railroad signal and new in-ground electronic traffic loops.
“When traffic is heavy heading east on Grandview Road, drivers back up across the railroad crossing, creating a dangerous situation,” said Project Engineer Dave Crisman. “Once the signal is installed, eastbound SR 548 traffic will get priority when a train is coming, helping clear vehicles off the tracks, and the reducing the risk of a train collision.”
During construction drivers will see only minor delays; most of the work will take place off the road. Minor delays will occur when crews install the traffic loops in the pavement that will help control the traffic signal, during the pouring of the signal bases, and when the signal masts are raised.
WSDOT awarded the construction contract to Signal Electric, Inc. of Kent for $254,000. The total project cost is $352,000 and is paid for with federal funds. Construction will be complete in August.
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