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Project Title & Location
I-90/Ryegrass Summit to Vantage – West of Vantage
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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.
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Contractor/Consultant
Superior Paving Co. – Yakima WA
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Recent Progress
The construction of the additional lane consists of three stages. Stage 1, constructing 0.8 mile of the additional lane at the top of the hill and modifying the rest area ramp, was mostly completed last fall and is open to traffic. Stage 2, widening the upper 5.5 miles of the westbound lanes, is next. Before much work can begin on the westbound lanes a detour needs to be put in place. See "Impacts to Traffic" for details.
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Design Construction Impacts
Most construction activities were suspended for the winter on November 14, 2003. Contract work resumed on March 8, 2004. The first focus of work, primarily in March, will involve preparing and implementing the upcoming detour. This will include minor widening of the eastbound lanes, placement of concrete traffic barrier, and striping.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
All environmental permits for construction have been received and anticipated environmental impacts are mitigated as part of the contract.
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Impacts to Traffic
When the detour route is ready, westbound traffic will be detoured to the eastbound side with two lanes westbound and one lane eastbound, separated by concrete barrier. This will allow the construction of the new westbound lane without routing traffic through the work zone. The posted speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph and there will be a 10-foot wide load restriction in effect. When the additional westbound lane is done in Stage 2, the detour utilizing the eastbound lanes will be moved to the lower portion of the hill and Stage 3 work will begin.
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