Date:  Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Contact: Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2057 (Vancouver)

GOLDENDALE – Night time single lane closures for the US 97, Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement Project begin August 18, announces the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). A second complete closure of the bridge begins Wednesday, September 3.

Starting Monday, August 18, traffic on the bridge will be reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., Monday night through Sunday morning. There will be no closures on the night of Sunday, August 24. Night time closures will end on the morning of Friday, August 29.

Under the single lane closures, construction crews will be installing work platforms along the south span of the bridge in preparation for the full closure. This advance work will allow the contractor to start demolition of the bridge deck immediately after the full closure begins in September.

Beginning on September 3, the bridge will once again close to all traffic in order to resume and complete the deck reconstruction project. The closure will remain in effect until the project is complete sometime in early 2009. During the closure, drivers seeking to cross the Columbia River will be directed by signs to the Dalles Bridge, US 197.

The first closure of the bridge began January 3, 2008. After completing the north and main spans of the deck, WSDOT reopened the bridge for the summer tourism and harvest season on May 19. The second closure of the bridge will allow contractor crews to complete replacement of the remaining deck and bridge rail on the southern portion of the bridge.

This project will completely replace the Biggs Bridge deck with a more durable concrete deck with a life span of approximately 70 years. Construction is on-time and scheduled for completion in winter 2008/2009.

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/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: 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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