Date:
Monday, December 04, 2006
Contact:
Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (Kelso)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
KELSO – Emergency repairs to stabilize another slope above State Route 4 will begin Dec. 5, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The slope above SR 4 in Wahkiakum County, just east of Grays River became saturated from November’s heavy rains, contributing the instability of the 70-foot tall slope (milepost 20).
Motorists should expect single lane closures with flaggers. To ensure the safety of motorists, the highway will close intermittently while debris is being removed. After crews complete removing all debris, crews will work to flatten and stabilize the slope. Through this project, crews will remove approximately 1,000 cubic yards, or 100 dump trucks of dirt, rock and woody debris.
Nutter Construction of Vancouver was selected as the contractor for this emergency repair project estimated at $250,000. This project will be completed within 30 working days. The scheduled work is weather sensitive.
WSDOT maintenance crews began monitoring SR 4 in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties during and after the heavy rains the week of Nov. 6. Unusually heavy rains saturated slopes in many areas, including SR 4. On November 23, maintenance crews cleared debris from two slides at this location. Cracks were observed at the top of the slope on Nov. 29-30, prompting the need for this emergency contract.
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.
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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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