Fall / Winter 2009
- WSDOT contractor, Midwest Rockfall of Henderson Co., completed the rock slope stabilization work at MP 141.84 & 144.38 on August 5.
- The next slope stabilization work will take place in 2011 (MP 143.06 & MP 143.20). WSDOT is starting design on this project.
- View the map for project locations.
WSDOT will stabilize eleven slopes in a 25 mile corridor on US 12 near White Pass as part of a series of unstable slope projects that will continue each summer from 2006 to 2013.
Construction work for 2009 stablizes slopes at MP 141.84 & 144.38. View the map for project locations. Work will consist of removing loose rock, hazard timber and other debris from the slopes. Rock anchor bolts will be used to hold large rocks on the slopes. Wire mesh slope protection fencing will be installed to protect motorists from potential rockfall onto the highway.
Why is WSDOT
stabilizing these slopes?
The slopes identified on US 12 are considered high hazard / high risk sites. WSDOT uses a statewide unstable slope prioritization process to identify and rate potential slide areas. We evaluate a number of factors to determine the "slope rating" of each location. The higher the slope rating, the higher the risk of a slide.
The End Result
WSDOT will evaluate the unstable slopes, remove loose rocks, hazard timber, and debris, and stabilize the slopes using bolts and protective fencing.
Project Benefits
- Safety. By removing unstable material and installing rock bolts and protective fencing, WSDOT will reduce the potential for future rockslides.
- Mobility. This project will reduce the possibility of emergency closures and traffic delays due to rock slides.
What is the project timeline?
Each summer, for the next 5 years, WSDOT will have slope stabilization construction work on US 12.
Construction on the first three sections started late summer 2006 were completed in 2007.
Contstruction on the second 2 sections (MP 161.99 & 162.17) were completed in 2008.
Slope work scheduled for the summer of 2009 construction is on schedule.
Financial Information
This series of unstable slope projects are funded through the following sources*:
- Existing Funds - $12.3 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $12.3 million
*As approved in the 2009 Transportation Budget.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Paul Gonseth, Project Engineer
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: (509) 577-1810
Email: GonsetP@wsdot.wa.gov
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