View larger map This project cut 25 miles of rumble strips on SR 821 (MP 0-25.21) through the Ellensburg Canyon in Yakima and Kittitas Counties.
View larger photo Rumble strips are cut into the existing pavement with this machine.
View larger photo When a vehicle's tires encounter these rumble strips, the vibrations alert the driver that they are leaving their driving lane.
Project Facts
- The construction of rumble strips has one of the highest benefit to cost ratios for safety improvements.
- Centerline rumble strips have an injury accident and property damage accident reduction rate of 25%.
- This is one of four roadside safety projects in Yakima County funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding package.
Project was completed on April 4th, 2007
This project was finished in only 3 days.
This safety improvement-collision reduction project is located on SR 821 in Yakima and Kittitas counties.
Why is WSDOT
install centerline rumble strips on SR 821?
Between June, 2002 and June, 2005 there were approximately 20 collisions on SR 821 caused by drivers crossing over the centerline. The estimated societal costs of those collisions total $282,000. Centerline rumble strips are a proven method of reducing cross-over accidents by alerting inattentive drivers they are crossing into oncoming traffic.
The End Result
This project increased safety for drivers on SR 821 through the Ellensburg Canyon.
Project Benefits
- Reduced head-on collisions
- Reduced loss of control collisions
What is the project timeline?
The project was advertised for private contractor bids on November 27th, 2006. The bids were opened on December 21st and a contract was awarded on December 26th. Construction began April 2nd and completed on April 4th, 2007.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project engineering office listed below with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT is committed to protecting the enviroment. All enviromental laws and guidelines were strictly followed.
The following permits and/or documentation were required for this project:
Enviromental Project Documentation
• Biological Assessment
• SEPA Categorical Exemption
• NEPA Categorical Exemption
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, a traffic control plan and work zone safety plan was in place to protect motorists and crews on the site during construction.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts were identified. WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in section 106 of The National Historical 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 from the following sources:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $0.2 million
- Total funding from all sources - $0.2 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Terry Mattson
Consultant Manager & Special Projects Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2899
Email: mattsot@wsdot.wa.gov
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