Date:  Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Contact: Randy Giles, I-90 Project Director, (509) 577-1879
Amanda Sullivan, I-90 Project Communications, (509) 577-1942

SNOQUAMLIE PASS – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded Max J. Kuney Co. (Spokane, WA) the second construction contract of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East – Hyak to Keechelus Dam Project. Max J. Kuney submitted the low bid of $76 million, which was 30 percent under WSDOT engineer’s estimates.
“The I-90 Hyak to Easton Corridor improvements will improve travelers’ access to our state’s most critical east-west transportation corridor for years to come,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “Reliable transportation is crucial to Washington state’s economic success, and working to build a safer and more efficient I-90 across Snoqualmie Pass is needed now more than ever.”

This contract utilizes a detour bridge built last year at Gold Creek, which means Max J. Kuney can begin construction on this project as early as April, depending on weather conditions. For this contract, crews will make the following improvements on the first three miles of the five-mile long corridor between Hyak (milepost 55.1) and near the Lake Keechelus Snowshed (milepost 58.1):

• Adding a new lane in each direction.
• Replacing deteriorated pavement of existing lanes and shoulders.
• Adding and replacing bridges and culverts.
• Stabilizing rock slopes.
• Extending chain up and chain removal areas.
• Adding illumination, traffic cameras, and variable message signs.

“We’re excited to work with Max J. Kuney Co. on this second construction contract of the I-90 Project,” said Randy Giles, I-90 Project Director. “The work we do together will replace worn-out concrete pavement, ease congestion, improve safety, and connect wildlife habitats on both sides of the interstate.”

The project will take three and a half years to complete due to the short construction window on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, with an estimated completion date of fall 2013. During construction, WSDOT has committed to keeping two travel lanes open in each direction during peak travel times; drivers may experience single-lane closures during off-peak hours.

WSDOT will advertise the third construction contract of the I-90 Project in fall 2010. Crews will continue making improvements on the remaining two miles of the project from the snowshed to Keechelus Dam. The contract is estimated to cost more than $200 million.

WSDOT received funding from the Washington State Legislature’s 2005 Transportation Partnership Account to design and construct the first five miles of the 15-mile long I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Corridor program. Total current funding is $595 million.

For more information on the Project, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/SnoqualmiePassEast/

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