Date:
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Contact:
Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
GOLDENDALE – A project that will replace the US 97, Biggs Bridge concrete deck will begin this December. A complete closure of the bridge will begin January 2, 2008. This contract was awarded to Mowat Construction Company of Woodinville, who submitted the winning bid of $12,228,837. A pre-construction open house has been scheduled for December 4, 2007.
In December, motorists can expect nighttime, single lane closures between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. During that time, delays will not exceed 20 minutes.
In January, a full closure of the bridge will begin. The bridge will remain closed until the north and main spans of the deck can be replaced; the bridge will be reopened by Memorial Day 2008. Then, after Labor Day, the bridge will close again for the replacement of the bridge deck on the south end of the bridge.
The WSDOT project team will hold a pre-construction open house on Tuesday, December 4, to inform the community about the construction work and associated traffic impacts, including the nighttime lane closures and the full closure.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. (stop by anytime)
Rufus Community Center
304 W. 2nd Street
Rufus, Ore.
Crews will avoid closing the US 97, Biggs Bridge during the summer months. Community input was critical in the decision to not close the bridge during the summer tourist season.
Over the past several years, the bridge’s deck has begun to crack and deteriorate, and it continues to worsen despite several maintenance projects. WSDOT has decided to accelerate construction of this project to Fall 2007.
During construction, detour routes will be available. Detour routes include US 197 Dalles Bridge via I-84 or State Route 14. Another option for eastbound traffic is to cross at the I-82 Columbia River Bridge. In addition, carpool match information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US97/BiggsBridge/travelerinfo.
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. 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 the project page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US97/BiggsBridge.
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 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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