Date:
Monday, December 04, 2006
Contact:
Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer, (360) 442-1346 (Kelso)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
STELLA – Single-lane closures on State Route 4 in Cowlitz County near Stella will begin Thursday, Dec. 7 due to a second unstable slope above the highway. Currently, crews are completing an emergency slope stabilization project at milepost 53. Crews have identified a second unstable slope just to the west, near Stella, at milepost 50.9.
Before they can proceed with the repairs, crews will install temporary safety fencing and a portable traffic signal at this site (milepost 50.9). Over the next two days, WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) will be locating utilities underneath SR 4 required to setup traffic control, and will be bringing in materials required for this traffic modification. Upon setup of the traffic modification, crews will remain on site 24 hours a day to monitor the road, slope, and signal system. The temporary setup will remain until work to stabilize the slope begins.
“Safety is always our first priority,” said Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer. “Single lane closures will remain until crews can complete repairs.”
Emergency work to repair the slope will begin after WSDOT completes the evaluation of the slope and determines the best course of action. Because work on this emergency project may take more than 30 days to complete, this project will be advertised for bids from pre-approved emergency contractors. After a contractor is selected, work will begin.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down when driving through the work zone. Motorists are also reminded that all traffic fines are doubled within a construction work zone when workers are present (RCW 46.61.527).
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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.
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