Date:
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Contact:
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, (509) 577-1618
Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer, (509) 577-1810
YAKIMA – Just two months ago we were breaking ground on the US 12 – 40th Avenue Interchange Improvements project. Now we are celebrating the completion of the project at a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30th at 10 a.m. at the Lakeside Business Center in Yakima. State Senator Jim Clements, Mayor Dave Edler and WSDOT Regional Administrator Don Whitehouse will be the featured speakers.
Eleven weeks have gone by and 5,000 tons of asphalt have been placed. Motorists will be happy to know this project cuts wait time at the intersection almost in half. Less time spent idling at red lights equals a saving of more than two hundred thousand dollars in gas.
“WSDOT worked with Superior Asphalt to deliver the 40th Avenue Interchange project ahead of schedule, within the budget, and with as little delay to travelers as possible,” said Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer.
Motorists will now be able to enjoy a second lane on the US 12 eastbound on-ramp, a second through lane from North 40th Avenue, and better traffic flow due to a more efficient traffic signal. A new left turn lane for the westbound off-ramp will allow traffic to proceed more quickly through the intersection. The project will also re-connect the Yakima Greenway to local bike and pedestrian pathways.
This $2.1 million project is the first in Yakima to be funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package, which comes from the 9.5 cent increase in the gas tax. For more information on this project visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US12/40thAveInterchange
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Drivers can now get current 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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