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
All I-90 traffic is using a detour in the existing downhill (eastbound lanes).  The detour consists of one lane eastbound and two lanes westbound, separated by temporary concrete barrier (5.5 miles in length).  This allows for the construction of the new westbound lane without routing traffic through the work zone, resulting in a safer environment for both the site workers and the traveling public.  Work on Stage 2 (westerly 5.5 mile section) is nearly complete and is expected to be opened to traffic in early July.   Construction of the Stage 3 detour connection is currently underway.    Stage 3 will construct the easterly 4.1 miles of the new lane.  Work will include controlled blasting of rock cuts, excavation, surfacing, paving and various safety improvements.    WSDOT anticipates the project will be constructed within the budget provided by the legislature in the 2003 Transportation Funding Package.   See "Impacts to Traffic" for additional information on the detour routes.

Design Construction Impacts
Most construction activities were suspended for the winter on November 14, 2003.  Contract work resumed on March 8, 2004.  Stage 2 work is nearly complete and the next focus of work will be on the last remaining stage of work - Stage 3.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
All environmental permits for construction have been received and anticipated environmental impacts are mitigated as part of the contract.   

Best Management Practices (BMP's) are being utilized on this project to ensure impacts to the environment are minimized.  

Impacts to Traffic
All traffic is being detoured to the eastbound lanes, with two lanes uphill and one lane downhill, separated by temporary concrete barrier.  The posted speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph throughout the detour areas and loads over 10-foot wide are prohibited.  When the Stage 2 portion of the additional lane is completed, the same detour configuration using the eastbound lanes will be moved to the lower portion of the hill and construction of the Stage 3 section of the new lane will begin.

Over the Memorial Day weekend travelers experienced significant delays,  due mostly  to the heavy  traffic during the holiday. 

We are using Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), and Variable Message Signs (VMS) to inform motorists of the detour and any adverse traffic situation.   In addition, WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) are working 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