SR 4 Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road paving and guardrail
August 22, 2009
issue of the WSDOT Express Lane.
Sunny weather and coastal breezes often entice Washington drivers to roll down their windows and enjoy the beauty of scenic byways such as SR 4 and US 101.
In the summer of 2008, leisurely highway drives down SR 4 were halted by traffic cones and road barriers as a safety improvement project on the highway required significant road closures.
When orange cones and construction barrels appeared once again along SR 4 on June 29 of this year, local drivers and businesses braced themselves for a second summer of traffic impacts.
However, those planning a summer cruise down SR 4 were able to take a deep breath and relax. Paving on SR 4 only minimally impacted traffic and resulted in a rejuvenated roadway. During construction, drivers only encountered daytime single-lane closures, with flaggers alternating traffic.
The route remained open throughout construction. Paving work was part of WSDOT’s SR 4 Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road paving and guardrail project, which improved nearly 28 miles of SR 4 through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties.
Funds from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were contributed to the project by Wahkiakum County, and helped contractor crews from Lakeside Industries, Inc., of Longview, Washington, get to work installing new safety features and paving the roadway.
Local business owner Mary Remer expressed enthusiasm about the current project. “I think it’s going to be a real boom to the area,” she said. Remer, CEO of the Skyline Golf Course in Cathlamet, looks forward to the possible economic benefits of increased safety and fresh pavement: “We have a lot of baby-boomers traveling here from metropolitan areas and they’re used to good infrastructure.
“Improving this roadway will encourage people to travel to this beautiful scenic region, and enhance the economic climate of Cathlamet,” she added.
By utilizing federal funds, putting local contractors to work, improving motorist safety, and rejuvenating aged pavement, the SR 4 paving project demonstrated that in Washington state you can have your road–and drive it too.
“Improving this roadway will . . . enhance the economic climate of Cathlamet.”
– Mary Remer, CEO of the
Skyline Golf Course
