Project Facts
- We will use approximately 25,000 tons of rock to build the wall. That equals over 1,750 dump truck loads or 1 million wheelbarrow loads of rocks.
- Due to repeated patching, some sections of the asphalt roadway are more than four feet thick.
- This project is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the section of US 2 that sank in November 2006.
July 2008
- Expect single lane closures as crews relocate utilities and prepare to excavate the site. Check the construction update for the latest closures.
- We awarded the contract to the most competitive bidder, Scarsella Brothers, Inc., in November 2007.
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We will stabilize a 310 foot section of the embankment under US 2 near Sunset Falls by building a large rock and gravel wall, known as a rock buttress. Crews will also repave the damaged road.
Why is WSDOT
building a rock buttress on US 2?
The roadway embankment on US 2 near Sunset Falls is slowly sliding across a layer of bedrock 35 to 40 feet below the roadway surface, causing the pavement to sink and crack. Regular pavement patching and repair is inconvenient and costly to drivers. Additionally, if this work is not completed soon, the roadway may suddenly sink, causing significant road closures.
The End Result
We will stabilize the hillside with a rock buttress, preventing further movement under the road and damage to the roadway. Drivers traveling on this section of US 2 will experience a smoother and safer ride, free from the inconveniences of frequent road closures.
Project Benefits
- Safety - The new rock buttress will keep the roadway from sinking and cracking, which could be hazardous to drivers.
- Economic Incentive - We will repave the roadway, eliminating the need for costly and inconvenient repairs. By taking action now, we will help to prevent total road closures in the future.
What is the project timeline?
Summer 2007 - We finished the design phase of the project.
November 2007 - We awarded the contract to the most competitive bidder, Scarsella Brothers Inc,.
July 2008 - Construction began.
Fall 2008 - We expect to complete construction.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact Project Engineer Dave Lindberg if you have questions or concerns.
Environmental Protection
In our continuing efforts to protect the environment, we will work with surrounding cities and communities to protect, and in some cases, improve environmental conditions.
During construction, we will work to reduce impact to wetlands, creeks and rivers that could be in the project area.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
During construction, we will implement all necessary traffic control and safety measures to ensure drivers and construction personnel stay safe.
When the project is complete, crews will have stabilized a 310 foot long section of hillside that will protect the road from sinking. New pavement and stabilized slopes will provide drivers with a safer, smoother and more enjoyable drive.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
We seek to address the concerns of 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. To learn more please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page.
We initiated formal consultation with the Tulalip, Snoqualmie and Yakama Tribes with a letter dated July 17, 2006. That letter was followed by a phone call to each tribe on August 10, 2006. Because this project is not exempt from Section 106 review, we accordingly prepared a Cultural Resource Survey. The report was sent to the tribes on October 2, 2006 asking for their comment and review. After 30 days the report was forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Officer who concurred with our findings on November 16, 2006. Receipt of that letter concluded our formal Section 106 efforts for this project.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Existing Funds - $3.2 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $3.2 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Dave Lindberg
12277 134th Court NE, Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425-814-7104
E-mail: lindbed@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications Meghan Soptich
15700 Dayton Avenue North
MS NB82-103
Seattle, WA 98133-9710
Phone: 206-440-4704
E-mail: sopticm@wsdot.wa.gov
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