Project Facts
- Crews are replacing the existing guardrail with a new, visually similar guardrail that meets current safety standards.
- The original guardrail was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps with rock-and-mortar posts and logs.
- During testing, the guardrail successfully redirected a full-size Chevy pickup traveling 45 MPH at a 25-degree angle.
May 2008
- The majority of this project is complete. Crews are hanging the last of the guardrail timbers, and we will pave a small portion of the highway north of Cornet Bay Road shortly.
- Crews are working in the area during the day, but off of the roadway.
- View the construction update report for information on possible nighttime delays.
Overview
We are replacing sections of the outdated guardrail along State Route 20, north of Oak Harbor, with a new guardrail that meets current design standards. The new guardrail will retain many of the character-defining features of the old guardrail, including the defining log and rock-and-mortar post appearance.
Why is WSDOT
replacing the historic guardrail?
The historic guardrail, located in Deception Pass State Park, does not meet current design standards. It was originally built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps with rock-and-mortar posts and logs. WSDOT worked with Washington State Parks and the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to develop a new guardrail design that will reduce the severity of collisions and still maintain the integrity of the park. We are incorporating elements of the existing guardrail into the new guardrail system.
The End Result
The new guardrail will improve safety and reduce the severity of accidents along SR 20. The new stone masonry posts will be reinforced with a concrete core, footing and a 6 foot by 20 inch-deep concrete slab running the full length of the guardrail. The Douglas fir guardrail between the posts will be fitted on the back with a 3/8 inch-thick steel plate. Read a detailed article about the design and testing of the new timber barrier (pdf 3 MB) published in 2005.
The existing guardrail, along with the original posts may be relocated to roads within Deception Pass State Park. Interpretive signs or an interpretive center will be created to showcase the historic guardrail.
Project Benefits
- Safety: The new guardrail will improve motorists safety by reducing the chance of vehicles breaking through it.
- Guardrail Design: The new guardrail will look remarkably similar to the existing guardrail and maintain the integrity of the park.
What is the project timeline?
- Spring, 2008 - finish project.
- Sept. 17, 2007 - start construction.
- April, 2007 - awarded project contract to Strider Construction of Bellingham.
- April, 2007 - advertise project to contractors.
Public Involvement
Your questions or comments are important to us. If you would like more information about this project, please contact the construction engineer.
We held two open house meetings during the planning and design phase of this project.
Environmental Protection
Impact to the environment will be minimal. A silt fence will be installed to prevent sediment from entering Pass Lake. The project will not impact any wetlands or streams. Native vegetation will be used to replace plants impacted by construction activities.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
WSDOT is replacing the existing guardrail to make this section of SR 20 near the Deception Pass State Park safer for drivers. We are increasing safety by reducing the risk of vehicles breaking through the guardrail.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
Section 106 consultation was initiated with the Tulalip and Swinomish Tribes in March 2001. Follow-up phone calls and copies of the Cultural Resource Survey produced for the project were sent to the tribes to invite their review and comment on them.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $4,600,000
- Existing Funds - $1,400,000
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $6,000,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications Dave Chesson
WSDOT Mt. Baker Headquarters
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5970
E-mail: chessod@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Project Construction Engineer Dave Crisman
1109 E. Hickox Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Phone: 360-757-848-7103
E-mail: crismad@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Project Design Engineer Tim Nau
WSDOT Project Office
PO Box 330310, MS 137
Seattle, WA 98133-9713
Phone: 206-440-4232
E-mail:NauT@wsdot.wa.gov
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