Date:
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Contact:
Casey Liles, Project Engineer, (800) 725-9669 (toll-free in Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
VANCOUVER – A project to pave and provide safety improvements to US Highway 101, State Route 4 and State Route 401 in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties will begin this summer, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT.) This contract was awarded to Lakeside Industries, Inc. of Longview who submitted the winning bid of $7,423,040.
Throughout the summer, motorists should expect single lane closures along US 101, SR 4 and SR401 while crews work to pave and improve the highways. There will be no lane closures during the following events: Sandsations – July 20 – 21; Kite Festival – August 20 – 26; and Rod Run – September 7 - 9. There will also be no lane closures during observed holidays or after noon on a day prior to an observed holiday.
Through this project, several improvements will be made to highways in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties. Nearly 27 miles of US Highway 101 will be paved, beginning at the Astoria Bridge, proceeding northwest to Ilwaco, and then northeast where it intersects with SR 4. Just over 12 miles of SR 401 will be resurfaced in Pacific County. Improvements to nearly five miles of pavement along SR 4 in Wahkiakum County will take place; improvements include resurfacing the pavement, replacing guardrail and signs where needed, and pavement work. The existing signal at the intersection of US 101 and SR 100 in Ilwaco will be replaced. A new signal will be installed at the intersection of US Highway 101 and Sandridge road.
A majority of construction will be completed by fall. However, work is weather dependent, so work may continue into 2008. Motorists are encouraged to check travel impacts by phone or reviewing the travel advisory Web page. 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. The traveling public can also get the latest travel information by calling 5-1-1 from most phones.
For more information about this project, please contact WSDOT’s Vancouver Area Engineering Office by phone (800-725-9669), by e-mail (swVanc@wsdot.wa.gov), or visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/US101/AstoriaBridgeSR4Paving.
Advance warning signs will be placed ahead of the construction area, and motorists are asked to observe and adhere to the posted speed limits when driving through the work zone. Motorists and motorcyclists are asked to use extreme caution when driving through the construction zone because of the loose gravel and fresh oil shortly after it is laid. 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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