Date:  Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Contact: Chris Tams, WSDOT Columbia Gorge Project Engineer, 1-866-279-0730 (toll free in Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2057 (Vancouver)

GOLDENDALE – The US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge permanently opened to all traffic at 4 p.m. today, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The bridge had been closed periodically since January 2008 for a complete replacement of the bridge deck.

The new, wider deck provides commuters with a better driving surface and allows more goods to be shipped across the Columbia River by lifting previous weight restrictions for this heavily traveled trucking route. In addition, lighting and guardrail improvements increase safety for all travelers on the Biggs Bridge.

Construction crews will continue to work on the bridge at night, with single-lane closures and flagging for final construction activities. Construction is expected to be complete in March 2009.

For information regarding the US 97, Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/US97/BiggsBridge/, or e-mail comments/questions to SwGorge@wsdot.wa.gov or contact the Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office at: 1-866-279-0730. 

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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