Date:  Monday, April 27, 2009

Contact: Aurora Jones, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4470 (Seattle)
Hung Huynh, WSDOT Project Engineer, 206-440-4311 (Seattle)

MARYSVILLE – WSDOT today announced that the $29.4 million Marysville concrete median barrier project – which includes $2.5 million in federal stimulus funding for traveler information systems – was advertised for contractor bids. The project will improve safety on a busy 10-mile stretch of I-5 in Marysville by reducing crossover collisions.

The 2008 legislature allocated $26.9 million to install 10 miles of concrete median barrier along northbound I-5 in Marysville and remove the existing cable barrier adjacent to the northbound lanes. In February 2009, WSDOT received $2.5 million in funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). WSDOT estimates that this project will support more than 155 jobs.

“The federal stimulus investments continue to provide benefits to Washington, not only in jobs, but also in key infrastructure investments,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “While we had planned to begin building this important safety project this summer, the $2.5 million in ARRA funds will allow us to make improvements to our driver information system along I-5, filling in a critical gap in our statewide traveler information system.”

WSDOT engineers began designing this project in July 2007, after Gov. Gregoire requested that WSDOT, the Washington State Patrol and independent experts complete a detailed review of statewide cable median barrier performance. The report noted a higher-than-average number of crossover collisions on I-5 in Marysville and recommended installing concrete barrier along northbound I-5 to provide the highest possible level of protection against crossover collisions. The existing southbound cable barrier system will provide redundant protection for drivers. Crews will also widen the roadway shoulder to 10 feet to provide refuge for disabled vehicles and emergency responders.

The project also will install traffic cameras, overhead message signs, and traffic detectors along I-5 near Marysville.

WSDOT expects to complete the project in late 2010. For more information, visit the project Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/marysvillemedianbarrier. 

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