November 2009
- WSDOT and Scarsella Bros. Construction will close US 12 Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day to blast a rock outcropping adjacent to the highway (15 miles west of Naches). These closure hours were chosen to have minimal traffic impacts. Visit our Weekly Construction Update for the latest information on construction traffic impacts.
- Crews are placing girders on the two new bridges on the project.
- WSDOT awarded the project to Scarsella Bros., Inc., of Seattle at 10% below the engineer's estimate and construction started in July 2009.
This project will replace two structurally deficient bridges across the Tieton River with two wider and longer bridges.
Why is WSDOT
replacing bridges on US 12?
WSDOT will replace both Tieton River crossing bridges due to structural deficiencies. These bridges have been ranked high on the statewide bridge replacement matrix, and are scheduled for replacement to ensure structural integrity.
The End Result
This project will construct two new bridges with wider lanes and shoulders approximately ten miles west of the US 12 / SR 410 junction. Both existing bridges are 24 feet wide and structurally deficient. The replacement bridges will be 32 feet wide, providing 12 foot lanes and four foot shoulders.
As part of this project, WSDOT will move the roadway between the two bridges away from unstable slopes to prevent rockfall hazards.
Project Benefits
- Safety. The new bridges will be wider and safer for travelers. Rockfall hazards will be reduced and visibility will be improved by realigning the roadway.
- Environmental. This project will improve the natural flow of the river by removing the piers from the river. The new single span bridges will not require construction in the river.
What is the project timeline?
Early project design began in April 2004. Construction started in July 2009.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $2.4 million
- Existing Funds - $13.5 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $15.9 million
*As approved in the 2009 Transportation Budget.
For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Development Branch Project Engineer,
Jeff Minnick, WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1704
Email: minnicj@wsdot.wa.gov
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