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This project addresses roadside hazards on US 97 from Mile Post 150 to Mile Post 325 in Kittitas, Chelan, and Okanogan Counties.
Click to view entire photo This slope will be flattened to provide errant drivers an opportunity to regain control.
Click to view entire photo This section will have new guardrail installed.
Project Facts
- Construction is now scheduled for the spring of 2008 and should take about two months.
- This project will reduce the number and severity of off the road crashes.
- Flattening steep shoulders will provide errant drivers with an opportunity to recover control.
Spring 2008
Project progress and traffic impacts are available on the
weekly construction updates.
Work begins on May 19th and should be complete by the end of June.
This collision prevention, safety improvement project, flattens roadside slopes, removes hazards, and installs guardrail along three sections of US 97 in Kittitas, Chelan and Okanogan Counties.
Why is WSDOT
flattening slopes, removing roadside hazards, and installing guardrail on US 97?
These three sections of US 97 have been identified as having a high number of run-off-the-road accidents.
MP 150 to MP 182 near Blewett Pass: 40% of the accidents between July, 2000 and July of 2005, were off the road collisions.
MP 271 to MP 289 through the Colville Indian Reservation: 41% of the accidents between July, 2000 and July 2005, were off the road collisions.
MP 305 to MP 325 north of Riverside: 22% of the accidents between July, 2000 and July of 2005, were off the road collisions.
The End Result
This project will result in a safer road by providing more protection for the traveling public from roadside hazards and steep shoulders. The project was coordinated with the 2006 TPA-funded US 97 Roadside Safety project that was limited to installation of new guardrail through these same sections.
Project Benefits
This project will improve safety, reducing the severity of off-the-road accidents by:
- providing a higher level of protection with new guardrail.
- flattening roadside slopes so control of an errant vehicle can be recovered.
- reducing roadside collisions by removing roadside hazards.
What is the project timeline?
Construction begins May 19th and should take approximately 30 working days to complete.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and ideas 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 and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from its projects. All applicable environmental laws and guidelines are being followed.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Besides the safety benefits of the project itself, safety for the public and the construction workers is paramount while the work is underway. A comprehensive traffic control plan and a work zone safety plan is being prepared to protect both travelers and construction workers.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
One of the three sections of US 97 where work will be performed is located on the Colville Indian Reservation. Consultation with the Colville Confederated Tribes will be completed in the fall of 2006. WSDOT addresses 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.
Financial Information
This project was readvertised for bids in September, 2007 and bids were opened on October 4th. The low bidder, from among 4, Scarsella Brothers, Inc., was awarded contract #7409 on October 9th for $681,997.82, 13% over the engineering estimate.
This project is funded through the following source:
- Pre-Existing Gas Tax - $745,000
- Total funding from all sources - $745,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Terry Mattson
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: 509.667.2899 or toll free 888.461.8816
E-mail:mattsot@wsdot.wa.gov
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