Date:
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Contact:
Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Jeremy Wright, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2078 (Vancouver)
GOLDENDALE – The project replacing the US 97, Biggs Bridge concrete deck has reached the important milestone of completing the pour of the Washington approach span of the bridge, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation. This work represents roughly half of the new deck.
Columbia Gorge Area Engineer Chris Tams expressed his satisfaction with the progress of work. “Despite a week long work stoppage and some significant weather impacts, I am happy to report that the project remains on-time and on-budget,” said Tams. “The completion of pouring the north approach span of the bridge is an important milestone and indicates that we remain on schedule to meet our commitment to re-open the bridge by May 23rd,” Tams added.
Work crews plan on completing the bridge rail, illumination, drainage, striping, and deck replacement on the north half of the bridge in time for the May 23rd opening.
WSDOT and contractor Mowat Construction Company of Woodinville, WA began work to replace the bridge deck on December 3, 2007. This project will replace the existing deck on the US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge over the Columbia River with a more durable concrete deck. Prior to construction, the bridge deck was deteriorating at a rapid pace.
A complete closure of the bridge began January 2, 2008. The bridge will reopen before Memorial Day weekend 2008; a second closure will begin after Labor Day 2008. The project is expected to be complete by winter of 2008-2009.
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/default.htm. 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: http://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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