Date:  Friday, April 29, 2011

Contact: Leon Winger, WSDOT Project Engineer, 360-905-1500 (Vancouver)
Heidi Sause, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2057 (Vancouver)

New bridge and ramps will help reduce collisions and congestion

VANCOUVER –A long-awaited freeway-style interchange designed to ease congestion and improve safety at State Route 500 and St. Johns Boulevard took an important step forward today.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded a $27 million contract to Tapani Underground Inc. of Battle Ground. The firm’s bid came in 18 percent less than WSDOT’s estimate. Awarding the contract marks a major milestone in moving the project forward on time and on budget. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring.

“With nearly 50 collisions a year, this intersection is in desperate need of safety improvements,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Leon Winger. “It’s good to get moving toward construction, and now that we have Tapani on board, we can start nailing down the construction schedule.”

Drivers will encounter few disruptions early in construction. Lane closures, traffic shifts and turn restrictions at the intersection begin this summer when contractor crews prepare the intersection for bridge construction work.

Stay up to date on construction progress and traffic impacts by visiting the project website. Drivers can also sign up online to receive project e-mail updates.

The SR 500, St. Johns Blvd Interchange project improves safety and mobility by building a bridge to carry St. Johns traffic up and over SR 500.

The $57 million project is funded through 2005 gas tax and pre-existing funds. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2013.

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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 www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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