Date:  Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Contact: Lisa Copeland, Communication Manager 360-357-2789 (Tumwater)

BREMERTON – Even though no band will be playing, there will still be quite the “rock show” this summer, on State Route 3 along Sinclair Inlet. Crews will scale bluffs and pull down loose rocks above the highway between Bremerton and Gorst to help prevent rockslides.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) also will bolt large boulders to hillsides with long dowels and drape protective fencing over the bluffs to catch falling rocks. Work is scheduled to begin late August and finish in the fall.

Four lanes will be open during construction, but drivers can expect shifted and narrow lanes, no shoulders, and a slower speed limit. Delays are expected to be lengthy.
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Drivers and bicyclists will share the right lane, and a pilot car will help guide cyclists through the work zone.
 
“We know this is a heavily traveled route,” said Kevin Dayton, region administrator. “And reducing the risk of rockslides for the 70,000 daily drivers is extremely important.”

Dayton added that WSDOT will be asking commuters to change their plans and allow plenty of extra time to get through the construction.
WSDOT awarded the project to Rock and Co dba Ock Ray last week for their low bid of $1.3 million.
 
For more details about the project, including how to sign up to receive project information, the best times to travel during construction, and other frequently asked questions, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr3/unstableslopes/.

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