Date:
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Contact:
Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer, (360) 442-1346 (Kelso)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will open both lanes of traffic on State Route 4 near Stella this afternoon (Wednesday), where emergency repairs to stabilize the slope above the highway have been underway. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane intermittently beginning after the holiday weekend for the next two weeks during cable netting installation.
“Our first goal was to stabilize the slope above State Route 4, to help ensure the safety of the roadway. Our next priority was reopening a lane to motorists, and I’m pleased that we are able to open to motorists before the holiday weekend,” said Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer.
This emergency slope stabilization project began Nov. 16. Through this project, rock and debris have been removed and crews have flattened the slope. The next step will be to hang the wire net.
WSDOT maintenance crews began monitoring State Route 4 in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties during and after the heavy rains the week of Nov. 6. Debris covered State Route 4 in a number of locations, and crews quickly cleared the roadways. However, crews found a large amount of unstable debris, including rock on the slope above the highway at this location, requiring the highway to close until the debris could be removed. A detour had been in place during the closure.
For weekly updates on this and all other state traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction/. It is updated every Friday for the following week’s impacts.
###
Drivers can now 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.
< Back to News Home