Date:  Monday, July 20, 2009

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

GOLDENDALE – Construction begins July 22 on a stimulus-funded Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project to pave portions of US 97 near Goldendale, including Satus Pass.

The $3.8 million US 97 – Centerville Rd. to Bickelton Rd. and Satus Pass paving project paves nearly 12 miles of US 97 between Goldendale and the Satus Creek bridge (mile posts 7.49 to 30.81). The project is expected to support an estimated 35 direct and indirect jobs.

Drivers will notice construction signs going up July 22 and 23, and daytime single-lane closures with flaggers beginning July 24. The project is scheduled for completion in September.

US 97 is a major freight route and an essential link between central and southwest Washington. US 97 Satus Pass carries an average of 3,900 vehicles per day.

Drivers should note that paving is a highly weather-sensitive activity. Work may be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

For more information on the US 97 – Centerville Rd. to Bickelton Rd. and Satus Pass paving project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/PavementRehab/US97CentervilleToBickleton/.

Washington State is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new website, 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 state’s recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted. 

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WSDOT's mission is to keep 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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