Date:  Friday, April 01, 2011

Contact: Moe Davari, WSDOT Project Engineer, 509-222-2402 (Richland)
Summer Derrey, WSDOT Communications, 509-577-1943 (Yakima)

UNION GAP – Drivers can say goodbye to the bumpy ride they experience daily on Interstate 82 between Union Gap and Granger.

Starting Monday, April 4, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and contractor, Interstate Improvement Inc. (Minnesota), will improve 19 miles of eastbound and westbound I-82.

Originally built between 1977 and 1980, normal wear and tear has left the highway uneven and bumpy as concrete panels have separated, rutted and cracked.
“We are fortunate to have the funds to restore the old concrete now before it gets worse and costs more to fix later,” said Don Whitehouse, WSDOT South Central Region administrator.

To strengthen and improve I-82, crews will tie the concrete panels together with metal dowel bars, replace cracked panels, and grind the driving surface smooth.

During construction, drivers may experience minor delays associated with single-lane closures from during the day and possibly at night, Monday through Friday.

The $13.4 million project is expected to finish this fall.

WSDOT offers several ways for drivers to get up-to-date information about the project:
• Get weekly construction updates: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthCentral/Construction/  
• Visit the project website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I82/YakimaRtoGrangerRehab/  
• Dial 5-1-1
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