Date:
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Contact:
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications 509-577-1617
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2010
WSDOT opens new I-82 ramps and Valley Mall Boulevard roundabouts
YAKIMA – State and local leaders joined businesses and construction crews today to celebrate the early completion of the new I-82 ramps and Valley Mall Boulevard roundabouts – just in time for the holiday shopping season.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the contractor, Apollo Inc., reached a major milestone last week on the $34 million I-82 Valley Mall Boulevard Rebuild Interchange Project. Crews pulled up cones on Friday, Nov. 12, allowing traffic to use the newly reconstructed I-82 eastbound on and off-ramps at Valley Mall Boulevard.
“The crew from Apollo construction went the extra mile on this project by working nights, weekends, and lots of overtime to open this important retail access area to holiday shoppers,” WSDOT Regional Administrator Don Whitehouse said.
Area business owners, inconvenienced by the construction, are excited to have access to their businesses restored ahead of schedule.
“Business is great, now that it’s done. We felt the impact immediately after they opened,” said Steve Hart, owner of Sea Galley Restaurant.
This interchange serves the largest shopping center in Yakima County and is used by 22,000 vehicles each day. The project improves access and eliminates a key chokepoint that made it difficult for shoppers to reach area businesses.
“We are excited about how well the roundabouts are working. The timing is perfect for holiday shopping,” said Valley Mall General Manager Ally Stewart.
“I had some doubts at first, but after seeing how it works, I love it,” said Union Gap Mayor Jim Lemon.
“We were happy to get the bid and even happier to have met this milestone ahead of schedule,” said Dave Haight, Apollo Inc. Project Leader.
More information about the project is online. Photos are at the WSDOT Flickr site.
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems
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