NC Region Sign Update 2003-2005

View entire map  200 new signs were placed along 9 highways in the Region: I-90, MP142.6-180.6, including the overcrossings at George and the Adams, Dodson, Hiawatha, and Mae Valley Roads in Grant County.  SR 17, MP 14.7-75.2, in Franklin, Adams and Grant Counties.  SR 26, MP40-60, in Grant County.  SR 28, MP 21.7-70.8, in Douglas and Grant Counties.  SR 281, MP 0-1.8.  SR 281Spur, MP 4.1-4.3.  SR 282, MP 0.5-4.9.  SR 283, MP 0.5-14.6.  SR 24, MP 44-53.5.  SR 243, MP 0-27.8, all in Grant County.  View entire photo  A member of the Sharp-Line Industries, Inc. crew poured the base for a new sign on SR 26 near Othello. Project Facts • Electric warning beacons were added to some of the new signs. • The contract was scheduled for 65 working days.  It was finished in half that. • Construction began April 4th and was complete on May 26th.

This project was completed more than a month ahead of schedule on May 26, 2005 and $30,000 under budget.

This Roadway Preservation, Safety Restoration Project installed 200 new highway signs on 9 state highways in Douglas, Grant, Adams and Franklin Counties.

Why did WSDOT Replace Highway Signs?

The signs no longer met Federal Highway Administration or WSDOT standards for reflectivity, size, color, height or other characteristics.  Some had been damaged, vandalized or stolen. 

Most of the new signs are green and white directional or distance signs (Example: Othello - Right 1/2 Mile).  Some are brown and white Informational signs(Example: The Gorge Amphitheater -Next Right).  There are also a few blue and white visitor information signs, (Example: Rest Area - 1 Mile) being replaced.

The End Result
The new signs improve safety and traffic operations as travelers are better informed with highway information they need to make travel decisions.

Project Benefits

• Easier to read highway signage.
• Better night time sign readability.
• Safer breakaway sign posts.

What was the project timeline?
Construction began on April 4th and was complete on May 26th, 2005.  The project was completed 27 working days ahead of schedule.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have questions or concerns about this project, please contact the Project office.

Environmental Protection
All environmental laws and guidelines were strictly followed. The followings are the permits and/or project documentation required:

• BA - Biological Assessment.
• NEPA (CE) - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
• SEPA (CE) - State Environmental Policy Act of 1971.
• Temporary Erosion Control Plan. 
• Section 106 - Tribal Consultation.

Increasing safety is a priority
Besides the safety benefits of the project itself, safety for the public and the construction workers was paramount while the work was underway.  A successful traffic control and work zone safety plan was implemented to protect travelers and workers that resulted in no accidents or injuries during construction.

Did this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts were found within the project limits.

At WSDOT we seek to address 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 WSDOTCentennial Accord Plan.

Financial Information

Four bids were opened on December 9th and contract #C6868 was awarded on December 13th, 2004 to Sharp-Line Industries of Spokane for $382,359.12, 6% below the engineering estimate.

This project was funded through the following sources:

• Pre-Existing Gas Tax - $481,000
• Total funding from all sources - $481,000

The project was completed for $30,190 under budget.

How can I get more information?
Contact:

Kevin Waligorski, Project Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2860 or toll free (888) 461-8816
E-mail: waligok@wsdot.wa.gov

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