November 2009
- The environmental documentation for this project was completed in March 2009.
- Work on environmental permitting and property acquisitions continue.
- Construction is scheduled to begin in 2010.
Overview
This project will help improve safety and mobility on State Route 14 between the Cape Horn Bridge and Cape Horn Road (milepost 25.82 to milepost 26.13) in western Skamania County by straightening curves and adding turn lanes at the Cape Horn Road and Salmon Falls Road intersections.
Why is WSDOT
constructing this project?
SR 14 is a popular route for sightseeing and accessing various historical and recreational sites inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It is also utilized by many commercial trucks on their way to and from ports and cities along the Columbia River and the Washington-Oregon state line.
Approximately 4,600 vehicles drive this section of SR 14 each day. Between 2000 and 2008, there were 168 reported collisions between Cape Horn and Salmon Falls Road. In May 2004, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and Steering Committee, in conjunction with WSDOT, designated a portion of SR 14 in Skamania County between the Clark County line and North Bonneville as a Traffic Safety Corridor.
The End Result
SR 14 will be shifted to the north to straighten out curves. A westbound left turn lane will be built at the intersection of SR 14 and Cape Horn Rd. WSDOT will also construct an eastbound left turn lane and a westbound right turn lane at the intersection of SR 14 and Salmon Falls Rd.
Once complete, drivers will be able to utilize turn pockets to turn onto these adjacent roads without stopping traffic on SR 14.
Project Benefits
- Safety: This project will help reduce collisions along this section of SR 14 by straightening curves and by adding turn lanes to the intersection of SR 14 and Salmon Falls Road.
- Mobility: This project will increase mobility by building left turn lanes and improving traffic movement through the Salmon Falls Road intersection.
What is the project timeline?
- April 2007: Design work began.
- March 2009: Right-of-Way acquisition began.
- October 7, 2009: Project open house.
- 2010: Construction scheduled to begin.
Financial Information
This project is funded through federal funds and budgeted at $3.7 million.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Chris Tams
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Area Office
P.O. Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-759-1310, or toll-free 1-866-279-0730
E-mail: swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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