Date:  Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Contact: Chris Tams, Project Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (toll-free in Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)

Full Details of Bridge Closure Available After Contractor Selected

GOLDENDALE – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has adjusted the closure schedule for the US 97, Biggs Bridge Deck Replacement. The adjustment allows contractors more flexibility during winter weather conditions and will benefit the traveling public.

A complete closure of the bridge, required for the deck replacement, is not expected to begin until early 2008. In addition, the closure will be split into two shorter periods, rather than one long period. The total amount of time the bridge must be closed remains the same.

Most recently, the bridge closure was scheduled to begin just after Labor Day 2007 and was expected to remain closed through Memorial Day 2008. Winter weather could have delayed the project, extending the closure time past Memorial Day. Instead, the closure will be split into two construction seasons, with shorter individual closure periods. WSDOT determined that a change in the closure schedule would ensure that the structure is reopened to the public before Memorial Day. The change in construction sequence benefits commuters, the trucking industry and contractors.

“We realize that this change will affect the community. We really tried to make sure that we will keep the closure as short as possible, and still allow the public to get use of the bridge during the busy season. This is a good compromise, and in the end we will have a fully functioning bridge that will last the community another 60 years,” said Chris Tams, WSDOT Project Engineer for the Columbia Gorge.

During the first closure of the bridge in early 2008, crews will repair the north side of the bridge, which has the worst deterioration. The bridge will then reopen in time for summer season. During the initial reopening of the bridge, weight restrictions will be lifted, allowing all trucks to use the route again. Weight restrictions began in spring 2006, limiting use of the bridge. The bridge will then close again in the fall of 2008, while crews work to repair the south side of the bridge. Construction is anticipated to be completed before Memorial Day in 2009.

The US 97, Biggs Bridge Deck Replacement Project is currently being advertised to interested contractors. Details of the closure schedule will be available after a contractor is selected later this summer. Schedule details may be adjusted as needed for weather or other under unpredictable conditions.

The bridge closure was changed from summer months, ideal for construction, to off-season months after receiving a significant amount of public input. The bridge will remain open during the summer months, to ensure the bridge is available for tourists and those traveling through the area.

For more information about the Biggs Rapids – Sam Hill Memorial Bridge deck replacement project, please contact WSDOT’s Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office by phone (866) 279-0730), by e-mail (swgorge@wsdot.wa.gov), or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US97/BiggsBridge/.

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For travel information, call 5-1-1 or visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/southwest/construction.

For carpool information during the Biggs Bridge closure, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US97/BiggsBridge/travelerinfo.

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