November 2009
- WSDOT has wrapped up work for the season on this project, returning I-90 to normal operations.
- Crews replaced four and a half miles of the right-hand concrete lanes and asphalt shoulders of westbound I-90 this summer between Easton and Cle Elum areas.
- Next spring, crews will replace the remaining three miles of concrete lanes and shoulders in the westbound direction.
Prior to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, funding for this deteriorated pavement section had not been identified. The ARRA stimulus funding allows WSDOT to address this important project 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
repairing this section of I-90?
The concrete pavement on this section of westbound I-90 is aging and deteriorated due to harsh weather and heavy traffic volumes.
The End Result
This project will replace the right hand lane and shoulders in the westbound direction with a new concrete lane and asphalt shoulders. Crews will also replace severely cracked panels in the left hand lane and grind the roadway surface to improve the ride and extend the life of the pavement. This project will restore signing, striping, and other basic safety features.
Drivers will experience a smoother, safer driving surface. These improvements will increase the life of the roadway and preserve the road surface to handle heavy traffic and freight trucks.
Project Benefits
- Preservation. Restores the structural integrity of the roadway and extends the life of the pavement.
- Safety. Improves the roadway surface to provide a smoother, safer ride.
- Jobs. We estimate this project will support 135 jobs over two years. This includes jobs on the project, jobs producing materials for the project, and other jobs in the local community.
What is the project timeline?
- January 2009 - Design work started.
- April 27, 2009 - Advertise project for competitive bids.
- July 2009 - Begin construction.
- November 2009 - First section of new concrete lane open to traffic.
- Spring 2010 – Begin construction on second section.
- July 2010 – Remaining section of new concrete open to traffic.
Financial Information
This project is fully funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Total federal funding - $21.2 million
*ARRA funds originally committed for this preservation project - $21.2 million
The project was awarded on June 1 for almost 15% below our engineer's estimate. The new total project cost is $18.4 million, including design and safety improvements. Once the surplus ARRA funds are de-obligated from this project, WSDOT will use the funds to complete a project on the previously identified Tier 2 list.
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:
Will Smith
WSDOT Project Engineer
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: (509) 577-1840
smithw@wsdot.wa.gov
WSDOT Communications
Amy Danberg
Phone: (509) 577-1944
Danbera@wsdot.wa.gov
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