Date:  Monday, July 27, 2009

Contact: Amir Ahmadi, WSDOT Project Engineer, 425-225-8725 (Everett)
Aurora Jones, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4470 (Seattle)

Project begins on schedule and already under budget

MARYSVILLE – Crews working for WSDOT this week kick off a project to replace 10 miles of cable median barrier with concrete barrier along northbound I-5 in Marysville. In the coming weeks nighttime drivers will notice crews conducting survey and signage work along northbound I-5 from State Route 528 to the Stillaguamish River.

“After nearly two years in design, we’re pleased to be starting this important project on schedule,” said Lorena Eng, WSDOT regional administrator. “By late 2010 drivers will benefit from a new median barrier system that will reduce the risk of crossover collisions along I-5 in Marysville.”

Not only is the project starting on time – it is also already under budget. Both the pre-construction and estimated construction costs came in below the amount originally allocated by the 2008 legislature, totaling a savings of nearly $12 million. WSDOT awarded the construction contract to the lowest bidder, Tri-State Construction, in April 2009. The $12 million in cost savings will be reallocated to pay for other state transportation projects.

The total amount budgeted for the project is now $18.9 million, including $2.5 million in ARRA funding to improve freeway operations and traveler information. This funding will allow for the installation of traffic cameras, overhead message signs, and traffic data detectors along I-5 in Marysville.

It will take crews approximately two months to complete survey, signage, fencing and shoulder work along the 10 miles of I-5 included in the project limits. Drivers should expect construction work and single-lane closures on northbound I-5 Sunday through Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Crews expect to start work on the median barrier system in mid-September or early October of this year.

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

Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy. 

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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 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/trafficor by dialing 5-1-1.

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