Project Facts
- This project will improve the safety of 29 redirectional landforms on I-82 in Yakima and Benton counties.
- WSDOT will also install nearly 3.5 miles of cable median barrier on I-82 near Benton City and 1 mile on I-90 near Cle Elum.
- According to statewide statistics, 95 percent of cars that hit the cable barrier are stopped from crossing the median.
May 2008
• This project was awarded to Frank Gurney, Inc. on April 21, 2008.• Construction will begin early summer.
Why is WSDOT
shielding redirectional landforms and installing cable median barrier?
WSDOT has discontinued using redirectional landforms as one of the methods to protect drivers from fixed objects near the roadway. Shielding existing landforms with guardrail or barrier will improve safety by helping to decrease the severity of accidents. Installing cable median barrier in narrow medians on I-82 and I-90 will help prevent errant traffic from crossing the median into oncoming traffic.
The End Result
The project will help reduce the severity of accidents and reduce the potential for head-on collisions on I-82 and I-90.
Project Benefits
- Safety - Shielding redirectional landforms will help reduce the severity of accidents. Installing cable median barrier in medians less than 50' wide will help prevent head-on collisions caused by drivers crossing the median and entering oncoming traffic.
What is the project timeline?
Design started in August 2007 and construction is scheduled to begin in May or June 2008.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT has completed the environmental documentation to address potential environmental issues for this project. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvements.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
These improvements will increase safety for motorists.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison web site.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- Existing Funds - $2.2 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $2.2 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Kerry Grant
WSDOT South Central Project office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909-2560
509-577-1760
E-mail: GrantK@wsdot.wa.gov
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