Date:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Contact:
Colin Newell, WSDOT project engineer, 866-713-2412 toll-free (Chehalis)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT communications, 360-905-2058 (Vancouver)
PE ELL – In 1924, many people traveled our nation’s highways and byways by horse and wagon or Model-T. It’s also the same year the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) built two bridges to carry SR 6 over Rock Creek, just west of Pe Ell.
Vehicles have changed a lot in the past 87 years, and highway safety and mobility standards have changed right along with them. What was modern in 1924 doesn’t meet current safety standards, and the Rock Creek bridges are too narrow to support the size and volume of today’s traffic.
WSDOT plans to replace both bridges in 2013. Before plans are finalized, project staff will host an open house in Pe Ell to gather input from local residents and others who travel SR 6.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. (stop by anytime)
Thursday, July 28
Where: Pe Ell School Library
519 N Second Street
Pe Ell, WA 98572
SR 6 is the main route for west Lewis County commuters and freight traveling between I-5 and the Pacific coast. It’s a tight fit for log trucks and other large vehicles to make it across the Rock Creek bridges, which slows traffic and risks driver safety.
These projects will replace the existing bridges with wider, more modern structures that can accommodate today’s vehicles and meet current safety standards. The new bridge structures will also be wider, helping improve water flow and fish habitat in Rock Creek.
Bridge construction is funded through 2005 gas tax and federal highway improvement dollars.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting Abbi Russell at (360) 905-2058. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the event sponsor through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.
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