US 97A - South of Chelan - Tunnel Lining Stage 3

View entire map The tunnel is located at Mile Post 224 between Entiat and Chelan on US 97A in Chelan County. Click to view entire photo  As stage three was completed, it relined another 140 feet of the interior of the tunnel. View entire photo  South entrance. Stages one and two relined about 160 ft of the tunnel at both the north and south entrances.  Stages three and four reline the remaining 300+ ft in the middle of the tunnel.  Project Facts • The tunnel was first constructed in 1936. Knapp's Hill was named after Frank Knapp who operated a Ferry across the Columbia River below the hill. • This project re-lined approximately 140 feet of the southern half of the tunnel. • Stage 1 of the relining project was completed in 2000 and Stage 2, in 2003.  Stage 4 has not yet been scheduled or funded.

Complete - April 2006 The tunnel reopened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2006.

This structure preservation project completed the third of four stages of the relining of the Knapps Hill tunnel.

Why did WSDOT Reline a third section of the Knapps Hill Tunnel?
The tunnel is an aging structure in need of refurbishing.  This project increased the tunnel's seismic and load capacity and will decrease maintenance costs.

The End Result
This project moved the Knapp's Hill tunnel restoration project one step closer to final completion.  When all stages are complete the timber bent system, which is currently used for structural support, will have been replaced with a cement concrete shell.

Project Benefits

• Increases structural integrity

• Improves traveler safety

• reduces maintenance

This series of projects provides a much more durable structure which will increase the tunnel's structural strength and traveler safety.  Maintenance of the current timber bents will be relieved with the easily maintained cement concrete shell.

What was the project timeline?
The tunnel was closed February 6th and reopened on April 12th, 2006. (47 of the possible 54 working days).  The deadline to have the tunnel open was before Wenatchee's Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, the first week of May.

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

Due to the impact of closing the tunnel for an extended period, an extensive e-mail notification system is in place for emergency services, law enforcement, schools, transit, freight, business and tourist agencies.

Environmental Protection
All environmental laws and guidelines are being strictly followed. The following 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
In addition to the safety benefits of the project itself, a detour to protect motorists during construction and a work zone safety plan for the crews on the site was implemented.

Did this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts were identified.  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

This project was advertised for private contractor bids on October 10th, 2005.  3 qualified bids were opened on November 10th.  Contract # 7049 was awarded to Epic Construction, LLC on November 14th for $519,530.00 - 4% under the engineering estimate. 

This project is funded through the following sources:

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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