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We will replace older sections of existing cable barrier with a newer more effective design across the state.
WSDOT is replacing existing sections of low-tension cable barrier with high-tension cable barrier.
View our
cable median barrier page for information about other projects which are installing new sections of cable barrier across the state.
November 2009
- Work is under way on three cable barrier retrofit contracts. We are scheduled to complete the work by December 2009.
- If funding is available, WSDOT may advertise additional safety improvement projects later this year.
- This project is fully funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
- WSDOT maintains a statewide priority list based on median width and potential for cross-over collisions to identify locations where cable median barrier could improve safety. The ARRA stimulus funding allows WSDOT to address the high priority locations now.
In February 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. WSDOT now stands ready to translate the federal recovery funding into job creation and highway improvements.
Why is WSDOT
replacing cable barrier?
WSDOT is replacing existing sections of low-tension cable barrier with high-tension cable barrier. High-tension cable barrier is easier to maintain. In addition, the increased tension keeps the cable taut even after some of the posts are knocked down. This increases the probability that the barrier will continue to offer some protection until repairs can be made.
The End Result
Cable median barrier helps prevent cars from crossing the median and potentially causing deadly head-on collisions. According to statewide statistics, 95 percent of cars that hit the cable barrier are stopped from crossing the median. No barrier can stop every mishap every time, but cable barrier greatly improves safety for drivers. Visit our photo site for photos of recent collisions involving cable median barrier.
Project Benefits
- Safety. Significantly reduces cross-over collisions and resulting injuries and fatalities.
- Jobs. Supports an estimated 90 construction-related jobs.
What is the project timeline?
We awarded the northwest Washington contract to Dirt and Aggregate Interchange, Inc. on July 20, 2009. We awarded the southwest Washington contract to Coral Construction Company and the eastern Washington contract to Frank Gurney, Inc. on July 27, 2009. Work is scheduled to begin later this summer and will be completed by the end of the year.
Financial Information
This project is fully funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Total federal funding - $9.0 million
For more information about other projects funded by the stimulus package, please visit our American Recovery and Reinvestment page.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Northwest Washington
Chris Damitio, Project Engineer
360-788-7403
damitic@wsdot.wa.gov
Dustin Terpening, Communications
360-757-5997
terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
Southwest Washington
Paul Gonseth, Project Engineer
509-577-1811
gonsetp@wsdot.wa.gov
Mike Westbay, Communications
509-577-1617
westbam@wsdot.wa.gov
Eastern Washington
Bob Romine, Project Engineer
509-667-2881
rominer@wsdot.wa.gov
Jeff Adamson, Communications
509-667-2815
adamsoj@wsdot.wa.gov
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