Date:
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Contact:
Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer, (509) 577-1810
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, (509) 654-0697
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Region Communications Manager, (509) 728-4712
YAKIMA – Whether they are headed to work, school or running errands, motorists driving along SR 24 or 33rd Street will be happy to know that they will spend less time waiting in traffic now that the projects are open to traffic. On Thursday, June 28th WSDOT, along with Yakima County, and the Transportation Improvement Board, will celebrate the on budget and ahead of schedule completion of the SR 24 – Additional Lanes Project and the 33rd Street Corridor Improvements Project at a ribbon cutting ceremony on the new Yakima River Bridge.
WSDOT’s contractor placed more than 59,000 tons of asphalt to complete the SR 24 – Additional Lanes Project. From now on, drivers will enjoy two lanes in each direction from I–82 to 33rd Street/Riverside Road, a larger, more efficient interchange, a new bridge over the Yakima River, and a new bike/pedestrian pathway. Now, the more than 18,000 motorists that use this route will enjoy less congestion and delays.
“WSDOT worked closely with contractor, Max J. Kuney, to create a safe and less congested connection for motorists using SR 24 to get to and from East Valley and Yakima,” said Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer. “We were pleased to open to traffic ahead of schedule and within the budgeted funds.”
With the completion of the third and final phase 33rd Street Corridor Improvements Project, motorists now have faster access between Terrace Heights and SR 24. This five-lane arterial provides the only north - south connection east of the Yakima River between Terrace Heights and SR 24, creating new opportunities for economic growth in and around the valley. This project added two lanes and a center turn lane on 33rd Street from SR 24 to Terrace Heights Drive, constructed a bike/pedestrian pathway, and added a new park and ride lot just north of SR 24.
For more information about this project visit:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I82/KeysRd/default.htm
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