October 2009
- The new alignment submitted to Yakama Nation for approval has been accepted. Design is moving forward and the project is scheduled for advertisement in spring 2010.
- Yakama Nation has completed the cultural report for the project. We anticipate Yakama Nation will perform cultural monitoring during construction.
This project will construct a new bridge and improve US 97 to increase motorist safety. The existing bridge will be removed.
Why is WSDOT
replacing Satus Creek Bridge and realigning US 97?
The existing Satus Creek bridge was constructed in 1942. It is very narrow and overweight loads are restricted from crossing it.
This section of US 97 has a history of collisions. The existing curve is substandard with a recommended safe speed of 55 mph, while the posted speed limit for the highway is 65 mph. Sight distance is also limited because of the curve. It is difficult to see oncoming traffic from two highway access points at this location.
Along with replacing the bridge and realigning the highway, WSDOT will correct other problems including narrow shoulders, deteriorating pavement, and hazards near the edge of the roadway.
The End Result
This project improves the last section of US 97 in Yakima County which has narrow lanes and shoulders, and substandard curves. A wider bridge and an improved roadway will increase safety. The new bridge will be longer than the current bridge to allow Satus Creek to flow in a more natural fashion.
Project Benefits
- Safety. The existing bridge was constructed in 1942 and is very narrow and structurally deficient. The existing curve on US 97 in this area is substandard, and makes for difficult driving conditions causing several collisions. The new bridge will be a minimum of 40 feet wide. The wider bridge and wider, straighter roadway will help reduce collisions and improve safety. This project will also reconfigure two main access points to Tribal Lands.
- Environmental. WSDOT recognizes the cultural and environmental sensitivity of this area and will address potential impacts. The new bridge will be longer than the current bridge, allowing Satus Creek to flow in a more natural fashion. This will ultimately improve the overall quality of the wildlife habitat in the area. After the new road is constructed, the old bridge and road will be removed. The land will then be sculpted to a more natural state and replanted with native plants.
- Freight Mobility. US 97 and Satus Pass are a major connector between the Portland/Vancouver areas and the Yakima Valley. Over 1000 trucks a day use this stretch of highway.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT is scheduled to complete the design by spring of 2009 and construction should begin in the summer of 2010.
Financial Information
This project is 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.
For project schedule 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
E-mail: minnicj@wsdot.wa.gov
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