Date:  Monday, March 23, 2009

Contact: Chris Tams, WSDOT Columbia Gorge Project Engineer, (866) 279-0730 (toll-free in Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

GOLDENDALE – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will finish the $16 million US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement project early and on budget.

The newly re-decked US 97 Biggs Bridge provides commuters with a wider, smoother 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 bridge.

“The Biggs Bridge is a vital transportation link for Washington and Oregon commuters and trucking commerce alike,” said WSDOT Southwest Regional Administrator Don Wagner. “WSDOT is pleased to deliver a safer, more efficient interstate crossing that will help promote economic health in the Columbia River Gorge.”

This week, crews will finish striping work and demobilize equipment from the bridge. Final striping takes place between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., Mon., March 23 through Wed., March 25. Drivers will notice single-lane closures and flagging during striping. This work is weather-sensitive and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

WSDOT permanently reopened the US 97 Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge to traffic on December 24, 2008. Crews continued working at night to complete final construction items such as signing, striping and removing temporary working platforms from underneath the bridge.

Project funding was split evenly between Washington and Oregon, with Washington’s share of funding provided by federal bridge replacement funds.

To learn more about the US 97, Biggs Rapids-Sam Hill Bridge Deck Replacement project, please visit the project Web page at: http://wsdot.wa.gov/projects/US97/BiggsBridge/.

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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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