Overview
This Economic Improvement Initiative Project replaced the existing Potato Hill Bridge to improve freight mobility along I-90, and is the last of 10 under-height bridges between George and Moses Lake over I-90 to be raised or replaced.
The original bridge was too low and didn't meet current interstate highway design standards. Many trucks had to make a 40-mile detour because of this vertical clearance problem.
A new bridge, with adequate clearance, allows all standard trucks to travel on I-90 without detouring.
 | Improves Safety
Safety on I-90 is improved by eliminating truck collisions with the bridge. Removing the over-height trucks from the detour routes of SR 17, SR 28, SR 282, and SR283 also improves safety.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
Eliminating over-height truck traffic reduces congestion and improves traffic flow on the detour route.
|
 | Economic Incentive
Increasing the bridge height allows trucks to pass unrestricted through this section of I-90, eliminating additional costs associated with using the long detour.
Maintenance costs will be reduced on the detour route by reducing the heavy truck traffic.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
The legislature funded Right of Way acquisition and construction of this project as part of the 2003 Nickel Package. Additional funding from the 2005 Transportation Budget for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge was combined with this project. The City of Moses Lake contributed funding for the bicycle and pedestrian facilities. It was determined that one wider structure was more cost effective than two separate structures.
Funding
This project is funded through the following sources:
· 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership funding) - $750,000
· 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $2.48 Million
· Local Funds - $23,000 (City of Moses Lake)
Total Funding Available from all sources - $3.25 Million, for construction.
Please see the Quarterly Project Report(s)
Contact Us
Mike Fleming, Project Engineer
North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2870 or toll free (888) 461-8816
E-mail: fleminM@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top