Project Facts
- The Naches River has eroded the US 12 highway slope, creating a public safety hazard.
- This project is funded through the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package.
- Project construction is under way.
Project Complete
• Project was completed in early October 2008.
This project will correct chronic bank erosion problems threatening US 12 and the aquatic habitat in the Naches River north of Yakima. WSDOT will realign roughly 2700 feet of the Naches River channel away from US 12.
Why is WSDOT
correcting erosion problems along the Naches River?
The Naches River has repeatedly eroded the slopes supporting the westbound lanes of US 12 near the 16th Avenue interchange. Stabilizing the slopes to protect the highway has become an on-going, expensive maintenance concern.
The End Result
Armoring the bank of the Naches River channel next to US 12 will protect the roadway and environment. A long-term fix with a bio-engineered structure will reduce future problems. Improving the side-channel and pool habitat for fish species, and restoring the vegetation along the riverbank will improve environmental conditions for the Naches River.
Project Benefits
- Safety. A new bio-engineered structure along the Naches riverbank will limit future erosion problems, specifically erosion problems near the US 12 roadway.
- Environmental. This project will improve pool habitat for fish species and restore vegetation along the riverbank.
- Partnership. The lower Naches River floodplain is a common geographic area shared by irrigators, federal and state resource agencies, fishermen, and the public. WSDOT, Yakima County, and the City of Yakima formed the Lower Naches River Partnership Group (NRPG) to seek mutually beneficial solutions. Through a coordinated partnership effort, the NRPG hopes to make decisions collectively, share and accumulate data and information, and help protect the existing environment for all to use and enjoy.
- Cost Reduction. This project provides a permanent solution to chronic erosion problems, reducing public costs and on-going maintenance work for temporary repairs.
What is the project timeline?
The project was advertised for bids in November, 2007 and was awarded to Scarsella Bros., Inc. in December. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2008.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project design office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT will compile the appropriate environmental documentation to address potential environmental issues for the project. As preliminary designs are refined, environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This project eliminates future erosion problems and creates a safer US 12 roadway for motorists. Restoration of the existing Naches riverbank protects the roadway and enhances the environment.
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.
WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation during project design and construction.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $2.4 million
- Existing Funds - $0.6 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $3.0 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:
Construction Project Engineer, Paul Gonseth
WSDOT South Central Region
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509-577-1810
E-mail:mailto:gonsetp@wsdot.wa.gov
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