Date:  Friday, January 14, 2011

Contact: Dave Chesson, WSDOT Communications, 360-757-5970 (Burlington)
Jay Drye, WSDOT Engineering Manager, 360-757-5993 (Burlington)

BURLINGTON – A project that will rebuild and repave a 12-mile stretch of northbound I-5 between Burlington and Bellingham took a step closer to reality today. Contractor Granite Construction Inc. submitted the apparent best-value proposal to design and build the project.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) opened cost proposals today in Olympia, and Granite Construction submitted the best-value proposal out of the five proposers. The contractor’s proposal to design and build the project was $14,553,000.

The apparent best value was determined using a formula that combines the cost proposal and technical credits. The credits are awarded for the contractor’s approach to project management, minimizing impacts to traffic, roadway safety and communication.

Crews will repave both lanes of northbound I-5 between Joe Leary Slough, just north of SR 11, and Nulle Road when construction begins this summer. The project will smooth the roadway and reduce the need for costly long-term maintenance and repairs.

The 50- to 60-year-old concrete panels that make up the base of this stretch of I-5 are failing. This, in turn, has caused the asphalt roadway on top of the panels to crack, making the roadway rough and requiring frequent maintenance. The concrete panels were paved over in the early 90s.

Crews will also pave all on- and off-ramps in both the north- and southbound directions of I-5 at four interchanges within the project limits. Most work will take place at night during the week, though some weekend work and ramp closures are likely.

For more information on the project or to sign up for e-mail updates, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/PavingJoeToNulle.

< Go Back