Project Facts
- WSDOT uses a statewide unstable slope prioritization process to identify and rate potential slide areas.
- WSDOT will stabilize eleven slopes on US 12.
- The slopes on US 12 are high hazard / high risk sites.
November 2008
- WSDOT contractor, Hi-Tech Rockfall Construction Inc., completed the two slopes (MP 161.99 & 162.17) near central Rimrock Lake.
- WSDOT is finishing the plans for the 2009 slope work (MP 141.84 & 144.38). Construction will start in the spring of 2009 as weather permits.
- 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 rockbolts and protective fencing, WSDOT will reduce the potential for future rockslides.
- Avoid possible emergency closures and delays
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 were completed in 2008.
Project design of slope work scheduled for the summer of 2009 construction is on schedule.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and comments are important to us. Please contact the project office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
The appropriate environmental documentation will be completed to address potential environmental issues for this 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
Safety for both travelers and workers on this job is a paramount consideration. These hazards present an area of high risk, with possible delays and inconvenience in the event of a significant slope failure.
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.
Financial Information
This series of unstable slope projects are funded through the following sources*:
- Existing Funds - $10.9 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $10.9 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental 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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