WSDOT Projects

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SR 241 - Rattlesnake Hills Vic. - Roadside Safety

Project is in construction phase
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This project is located on SR 241 between Sunnyside and Hanford in Yakima County from MP 10.07 - 24.30.

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This image shows one of two substandard curves to be realigned. 
Project Facts
  • This project will realign 0.6 miles of SR 241 and add guardrail and signing at locations throughout the project limits.
  • Construction was completed in May 2008.
  • The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding package provides gas tax money for this project.

Project Status

November 2008

• WSDOT and contractor M. A. Deatley completed the project within budget and three months ahead of schedule.

• The new realigned curves were opened to traffic in May 2008. In October, 2008 the new roadway slopes were seeded, completing the final work for this contract.

This project improves 14 miles of SR 241 from just north of Sunnyside (MP 10) and continuing north to near the junction with SR 24 (MP 24). The project will realign two s-curves just south of the SR 241/SR 24 junction and update guardrail and signing throughout the project limits.

Why is WSDOT realigning the roadway and installing guardrail and signs?
The section of roadway from MP 20.62 to MP 21.19 appears on WSDOT's High Accident Location list. There are two sharp horizontal s-curves that contribute to the higher than average number of "run off the road accidents." There have been seven "over the embankment accidents" between 2002 and 2004. Also, sections of SR 241 warrant the installation of guardrail and signs.

The End Result
The substandard curves will be rebuilt with new curve alignments that meet current design standards. Additional work will improve drainage, control erosion and improve safety with new delineation markers and guardrail. The project reduces the potential for vehicles to run off the roadway and over embankments.

Project Benefits

  • Reduced accident frequency and severity.
  • Improved drainage and lower maintenance costs.

What is the project timeline?
Construction will begin in spring 2008. The project should be complete May 2008.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and ideas are important to us. If you have questions or concerns about this project, please contact the project engineering office listed below.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from its projects.

All applicable environmental laws and guidelines will be strictly followed.  The following are the permits and/or documentation required for this project:

  • National Historic Preservation Act - Section 106
  • NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
  • SEPA - State Environmental Policy Act of 1971
  • Endangered Species Act Compliance

Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
In addition to the safety benefits of the project itself, it's a priority for the workers and traveling public during construction. A comprehensive traffic control plan and a work zone safety plan is being prepared to protect travelers and workers.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
No adverse impacts have been identified. WSDOT addresses the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outline 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.

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:

  • 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $2.2 million
  • Total Funding From All Sources - $2.2 million

*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.

For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Will Smith
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1844
E-mail:SmithW@wsdot.wa.gov

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