Date:  Monday, April 20, 2009

Contact: Mike Westbay WSDOT Region Communications Manager 509-577-1617
Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer 509-577-1810

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WSDOT advertises contract for stimulus-funded I-82 paving project between Grandview and Granger


YAKIMA – WSDOT announced today that the I-82 Grandview to Granger westbound pavement repair project, funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was advertised to contractors for bids. The stimulus project is valued at $11.4 million and will support approximately 100 jobs.

“Recovery funding is beginning to have positive effects across the state,” said Gov. Gregoire. “This funding combined with other local and state resources will result in jobs for Washingtonians and much needed infrastructure improvements.”

“This project is a prime example of the type of project that would not have been constructed this summer without additional funding by ARRA,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “Now we’re ready to deliver a project that preserves the interstate roadway, makes the ride smoother, and brings about 100 jobs to one of central Washington’s most critical transportation corridors.”

With this project, crews will strengthen the pavement in the westbound lanes of I-82 between Grandview and Granger by replacing severely cracked panels, installing dowel bars in the wheel paths of the right lane, and grinding the roadway surface.

The steel dowel bars will be placed in channels cut several inches deep in the pavement. Then grout is placed in the channels. The dowel bars keep the concrete panels from rocking back and forth as they do now, which causes a rough ride for drivers between Grandview and Granger.

“We are happy to be helping the local economy by bringing jobs to central Washington with federal recovery money that strengthens our transportation system,” said Don Whitehouse, WSDOT Regional Administrator.

For more information on the I-82, Grandview to Granger Concrete Repair project visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I82/GrangertoGrandview/

For a list of the 181 Washington highway projects, and detail on other federal stimulus transportation investments, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Funding/stimulus/ProjectList.htm

Washington state is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new website, http://www.recovery.wa.gov/, enabling every Washingtonian to see where their tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden, a proven and aggressive Inspector General, to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted.

###

< Back to News Home