November 2009
- The first stage of this project is complete.
- The log wall that crews have built will help divert the Sauk River away from SR 530 south of Rockport. See photos of the work.
- We have broken this project into two stages so we can immediately take action to protect the highway and riverbank from erosion.
Overview
We will immediately address river bank erosion that threatens to undermine SR 530 at a location approximately nine miles south of Rockport, where a side channel of the Sauk River has become active and is threatening the roadway. We will then protect the highway, just north of this location, from recurring flood damage by moving SR 530 away from the Sauk River.
Flooding has caused repeated damage to the riverbank and shoulder along the highway. The highway is an important transportation link between I-5 and the North Cascades Highway and needs to be shifted away from the river to prevent further damage.
Why is WSDOT
realigning the highway?
Since the early 1990s, the Sauk River has eroded its stream banks and the SR 530 highway shoulder. Each time this occurs, we are forced to close the road. This is a significant problem for many drivers, businesses and residents because the highway is the primary road in and out of the area. It serves as the primary route for transit buses, trucks carrying timber products and tourists.
The End Result
We will protect the highway in the short term by installing river bank protection. Our long-term plan is to shift the highway away from the Sauk River, which will reduce the need for road closures and the risk of highway damage. This will help keep the local economy strong and save tax money by minimizing costly repairs. We will also study the SR 530 / Sauk River corridor between milepost 54.8 to 63 to examine long term solutions for this section of highway that has experienced unstable and eroding banks along the Sauk river.
Stage 1: This project was awarded in August to Jansen Inc. for $2.1 million. We will immediately preserve the highway by protecting the riverbank from erosion. We will use a mixture of 112 steel piles, large trees, and rock to build a buffer between the riverbank and the road.
Stage 2: During the second stage, we plan to move the highway away from the river. We are requesting additional money from the Legislature to fully fund this stage of the project. If additional funding can not be secured, we will use the remaining funds from stage 1 to install additional riverbank protection.
Project Benefits
• Safety: This project will protect the highway from flood damage, which can create hazards.
• Congestion: We will help keep traffic moving by helping prevent road closures.
• Environment: We will preserve or improve fish habitat areas along this route.
What is the project timeline?
June 2008 - We held a value engineering study to review plans and brainstorm ways to preserve the highway while protecting the river.
September 2008 - Stage 1 is currently under construction.
November 2008 - Stage 1 complete
January 2009 - Corridor Study begins
2011 - Dependent on funding for stage 2, we will begin construction on long-term improvements.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $8.2 million
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $8.2 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: (360) 757-5997
E-mail: Terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
Project Engineer Shane Spahr
1415 Pacific Drive
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone: 360-757-5856
E-mail: spahrs@wsdot.wa.gov
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