Date:
Monday, February 04, 2008
Contact:
Colin Newell, WSDOT Project Engineer, (360) 740-8603 (Chehalis)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)
CHEHALIS – Drivers will experience expanded open hours on SR 6, near Pe Ell, starting Monday, February 4, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The road will open at 6 a.m. each day and will close by 6 p.m. each evening, with a complete closure during the remaining nighttime hours.
The expanded opening times are the result of extended day light hours, as well as spot lights that will help augment the increased natural light, allowing the spotters on site to adequately see the impacted area, and allowing the drivers to see the traffic flaggers. Construction work on the slide will still go on during natural daylight hours in order to get the best light during the careful extraction of debris on the slope.
“With the longer days and a help from the spot lights, we feel confident in our decision to extend the time that SR 6 is open,” said Don Wagner, Regional Administrator for the Southwest Region of WSDOT. “Our hope is to minimize the inconvenience to the local community, while preserving the safety to all motorists and crews,” Wagner added.
Contractor crews began repairs to the unstable slope on January 28, after geotechnical engineers determined the safest and most prudent course of action to repair the area. Construction will take up to 30 working days, as crews are remove approximately 75,000 cubic yards of debris from the slope adjacent to the highway, down to the bedrock, and re-grade the remaining slope.
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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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