View entire map Three slopes above US 97A, from Milepost 203.97 to Milepost 205, north of Wenatchee, will be stabilized.
View entire photo More than 80 people attended two open houses were held in February, 2008
View entire photo Engineer Jennifer Saugen answers a question about the closure options.
View entire photo South view of one slope to be stabilized.
View entire photo North view of another slope to be stabilized.
Project Facts
- These are the first three of five slopes to be stabilized along this stretch of highway.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in Summer of 2009.
- The project site is located just North of the Rocky Reach Dam on US 97A.
Summer 2008
This project is currently in the design phase. It is scheduled to be advertised for contractor bids this fall with construction to follow in 2009.
This Preservation Program project will stabilize three rock slopes above US 97A, four miles North of Wenatchee.
Why is WSDOT
Stabilizing These Slopes?
The primary goal of this slope repair project is to improve safety for travelers on US 97A between Wenatchee and Entiat. Maintenance records and Geotechnical investigations show rock fall mitigation is necessary to reduce hazardous rockfall onto the highway.
The best method identified to preserve the integrity of these slopes is through preventative measures. Those include debris removal, rock scaling, installation of rock bolts and steel cable netting to prevent rocks from falling down the cliff and bouncing onto the roadway. It is our goal to accomplish the work quickly with the least traffic impact possible.
The End Result
US 97A will be significantly safer for travelers through this area.
Project Benefits
Safety is the primary benefit, but, by taking action now, we will reduce maintenance costs of cleaning up fallen rocks as well as avoiding costly repairs to the roadway surface.
What is the project timeline?
This project is the first of three phases of slope repair along US 97A, just North of Wenatchee.
Phase 1 will be advertised for private contractor bids this fall with construction to start in the summer of 2009.
Phase 2 is scheduled for construction in 2010.
Phase 3 is scheduled for construction in 2012.
Public Involvement
WSDOT held two Open Houses in Entiat and Wenatchee on February 27the and 28th to get your input on the project and its traffic impacts during construction. Read the News Release.
The purpose of the Open Houses was to provide information about what the project entails. We presented the different options for road closure that we are considering. Because the project is still in the design phase, we hope to find a traffic control strategy that balances the need for the work to be done with the needs of the community.
There was a large turnout at the two open houses. We received comments from over 80 residents and commuters of Highway 97A. Additionally, we have received input by way of phone calls and emails from residents who were unable to attend the Open Houses. We are in the process of evaluating all the comments in order to tailor our traffic control strategy to work with the majority of road users.
Significant planning and resources are being applied to put into place a public information program which will provide users with timely and accurate travel delay and road closure information, including:
- The project and WSDOT Traffic and Roads web pages.
- 5-1-1 telephone alerts.
- Current traffic impacts broadcast on Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at the junction of US2 & US 97A north of Wenatchee.
- E-mail or faxes to media, businesses, schools, transit and emergency services to provide advance notice of the planned work and traffic impacts expected for the next 24 and 48 hours.
- Electronic message signs on the highway will inform travelers of current and upcoming traffic impacts.
- Local radio and newspaper announcements.
In case of emergencies:
Extensive emergency service coordination will be established. We will work with local fire districts, the State Patrol, Chelan County Sheriff, Wenatchee Police, Ballard and Lifeline Ambulance Services.
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have any questions and/or comments, click here to contact us. If you are interested in receiving updates on this project, click here to send us an email so we can add you to our list.
Environmental Protection
All applicable environmental laws and regulations will be followed during the construction of this project.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
In addition to the project's goal of reducing the danger from falling rocks on the highway, the safety of workers and travelers during construction is paramount. A construction safety program and a traffic safety control plan are included in the planning for this project.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts have yet been identified in the planning and investigation of this project. WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historical 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
Stage 1 of this project will be funded through the following sources:
- Pre-Existing Gas Tax - $6.7 million
- Total funding from all sources - $6.7 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Bob Romine
Project Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region Project Office
PO Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: 509-667-2880, or toll-free 1-888-461-8816
E-mail: RomineR@wsdot.wa.gov
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