Project Facts
- We operate our highway transportation system through seven WSDOT Traffic Management Centers at key locations around the state.
- Stevens Pass was closed 11 times during the past winter for a total of 87 hours due to weather related incidents. How prepared are you for Winter Driving?
- Traffic volumes between Monroe and the Stevens Pass ski area can exceed 7,000 vehicles per day on winter weekends.
Summer 2008
The project was advertised for private contractor bids on June 2nd, 2008. Bids will be opened on June 26th and a contract will be awarded as the bids are evaluated. Construction will start in August and be completed in 30 working days (about 6 weeks).
This Highway Safety Capital Improvement Collision Reduction Project (I-2) is located on US 2,west of the Stevens Pass summit in King County.
Why is WSDOT
building Variable Speed Limit signs and installing fiber optic cable?
Adding two variable speed limit signs on the west side of Stevens Pass will improve safety by changing the speed limit in response to road and weather conditions.
WSDOT's Traffic Management Center (TMC) in Wenatchee is in direct radio contact with our staff on Stevens Pass and they're also connected electronically to real time weather and other road sensors and video cameras at the summit. This allows us to closely monitor conditions and change the electronic messages and speed limits on the existing signs on the pass. This project will add two more signs on the west side of the pass and connect them to the communications center by fiber optic cable. The project also includes installation of another traffic camera.
The End Result
The expansion of WSDOT's electronic transportation management system on the west side of Stevens Pass will better control vehicle speed and traffic flow in inclement weather and provide safer operation of the highway.
Project Benefits
- Expands the Traffic Management Center (TMC) capability to operate US 2 on the west side of the summit more safely.
- Connects two new electronic variable speed limit signs to the TMC's with fiber optic cable instead of expensive and less reliable cell phone connections.
- Allows for future extension of fiber, west to Scenic.
What is the project timeline?
The project was advertised for private contractor bids on June 2nd, 2008. Bids will be opened on June 26th and a contract will be awarded as the bids are evaluated. Construction will start in August and be completed in 30 working days (about 6 weeks).
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have questions or concerns about this project please contact the Project Engineering Office listed below.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment. All environmental laws and guidelines will be strictly followed.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This project will allow rapid electronic adjustment of the speed limit on Stevens Pass in response to changing road and weather conditions and also allow troopers and deputies to enforce the current posted speed limit.
Safety for the public and the construction workers is paramount while construction is underway. A comprehensive traffic control plan is being prepared to protect travelers and workers.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts have been identified.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Pre-Existing Gas Tax - $862,059.
- Total funding from all sources - $862,059
.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
David Kieninger: Assistant Traffic Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-3081 or toll free (888) 461-8816
Email: kienind@wsdot.wa.gov
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