Project Facts
- This project will include construction of a new Satus Creek bridge and realignment of US 97.
- The existing Satus Creek bridge was constructed in 1942.
- Over 1,000 trucks travel through this section of US 97 every day.
November 2008
• WSDOT submitted the new alignment to Yakama Nation for approval.
• WSDOT completed the drilling to start the subsurface analysis required for project design.
• Recent conversations with the Yakama Nation have resulted in WSDOT changing the location of the new bridge and utilizing more of the existing roadway. This change will delay the project advertisement date to early 2010. Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring 2010.
• WSDOT is working with the Yakama Nation to complete the environmental reports. WSDOT will also coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Affairs during project design and 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 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 the end of 2009 and construction should begin in late spring 2010.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions 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
US 97 will be constructed as a much safer roadway with a new Satus Creek bridge and roadway realignment. This section of roadway is the last section of US 97 in Yakima County with narrow shoulders and substandard curves. Safety will be improved and collisions will be reduced with the construction of a straighter roadway with wider shoulders.
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.
WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation during the project design and construction.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- Existing Funds - $10.8 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $10.8 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental 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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