Project Title & Location
I-90/Ryegrass Summit to Vantage – West of Vantage

Project Description
This project constructs a new truck climbing/passing lane on Interstate 90 westbound from the Columbia River at Vantage to Ryegrass Summit, to reduce accidents from slower moving vehicles and passing vehicles.

Contractor/Consultant
Superior Paving Co. – Yakima WA 

Recent Progress

The additional truck climbing / passing lane is now complete.   This project was completed ahead of the schedule and within the budget provided by the 2003 Transportation funding package.   A "Completion Ceremony" was held for this project on November 17, 2004 at Vantage.

Design Construction Impacts

The new three-lane westbound section was opened to traffic on October 21, 2004.  The project was physically complete on November 22, 2004.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Project mitigation within Ryegrass Coulee consisted of installing grade control structures to minimize scour adjacent to Interstate 90. The site was further stabilized by live willow stakes planted in the voids of the rip rap. The overall mitigation strategy will combine structural and biological elements to provide a long lasting fix to the scour problem.

To date the environmental compliance effort has been very successful.

Impacts to Traffic

All lanes are open to traffic.  The speed limit and overwidth restrictions have been lifted.

We used the Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), WSDOT web sites,  and Variable Message Signs (VMS) to inform motorists of the detour and any adverse traffic situations.   In addition, Superior Asphalt Co., WSDOT, and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) worked together to keep travelers moving through the project safely and to assist stranded motorists.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account