November 2009
- This week's traffic impacts
- Contractor crews began construction on June 29. The roadway will remain open during construction with daytime single-lane traffic, alternating directions and flagging on SR 4.
- On June 8, WSDOT awarded the construction contract for this project to Lakeside Industries, Inc., with a winning bid of $6.5 million.
- You can find out where crews are working in Southwest Washington on our Construction Update Web page.
Overview
Throughout this project, guardrail improvements and paving will take place along State Route 4, between Skamokawa in Wahkiakum County (milepost 27.47) and Coal Creek Road in Cowlitz County (milepost 55.01). Additionally, West Little Island Road and Beaver Creek Road in Wahkiakum County will be paved by agreement with Wahkiakum County.
A recent statewide analysis found that this section of SR 4 is in need of roadside safety enhancements and preservation to help decrease the severity of run-off the road collisions and rejuvenate the road's surface to enhance drivability.
Guardrail improvements include replacing existing guardrail, and cable barrier, restoring eroded roadway embankments, restoring asphalt curbs under guardrail and retrofitting bridges with improved railings as necessary.
Paving this section of SR 4 will repair ruts and cracks in the existing pavement and extend the life of the roadway, in addition to providing a smoother and safer ride for motorists.
Why is WSDOT
making safety improvements to this corridor?
In a recent statewide analysis of collisions, one of the major areas of concern was the number of collisions in rural areas. In the 2003 legislative session, funding was allocated to preserve and make safety improvements to this corridor, which would reduce the severity of these collisions, improve roadside safety and extend the life of the roadway.
Our Partners
WSDOT is working with Wahkiakum County to pave two county roads in the project vicinity. Wahkiakum County received $200,000 in ARRA funds which they are contributing to the paving portion of this project.
The End Result
This project will preserve and improve roadside safety on SR 4, through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties by paving and upgrading guardrail to meet current standards. These preservation and safety improvements will help reduce the severity of run-off the road collisions along this corridor and improve the condition and life of the roadway.
Project Benefits
- Safety: This project will improve safety by reducing the severity of collisions where motorists have driven off the roadway.
- Preservation: This project will strengthen and preserve nearly 28 miles of SR 4 in Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties.
- Jobs: We estimate this project will support approximately 110 jobs in local communities.
What is the project timeline?
- 2008: Design process began.
- May 2009: WSDOT advertised this project for construction.
- June 29, 2009: Construction began.
- December 2009: WSDOT anticipates construction to be complete.
Financial Information
- Pre-existing funds: $7.7 million
- 2003 Legislative Funding Package (Nickel funding): $3.6 million
- Wahkiakum County: $900,000
- 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): $200,000
- Total funding available: $12.4 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Leon Winger
WSDOT Vancouver Area Office
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
11018 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682-6686
Phone: 360-905-1500 or toll-free 1-800-725-9669
E-mail: swVanc@wsdot.wa.gov
Director/County Engineer Peter Ringen
Wahkiakum County Public Works
Phone: 360-795-3301
E-mail: ringenp@co.wahkiakum.wa.us
WSDOT Communications
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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