Overview
We made emergency repairs to the riverbank where storm-related erosion had washed away the bank along the shoulder of the highway.
The confluence of the Sauk and Suiattle rivers eroded the riverbank along State Route 530 north of Darrington in Skagit County. WSDOT maintenance crews and engineers concluded that the highway could collapse if the river bank was not quickly reinforced.
If the highway collapsed, it would have blocked an important transportation link between I-5 and the North Cascades.
 | Improves Safety
Emergency repairs provide short-term protection for the highway and drivers, while we work on a more permanent solution.
Long-term repairs will protect drivers by preventing highway washouts. They will also keep traffic moving along this primary connection from I-5 to the North Cascades and will better protect the environment.
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 | Protects Environment
We worked closely with federal and state permitting agencies to develop a long range plan that protects SR 530, keeps drivers moving, and is safe for the environment.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
WSDOT worked with state and federal agencies and local Indian tribes to find a solution. The Sauk River is designated a national Wild and Scenic River, creating one of the additional challenges for permitting and repairs in the area.
Funding
Wilder Construction was hired for their low bid of $1.9 million, which came in nearly 22 percent under our engineers’ estimate of $2.4 million.
Funding for this project came from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Fund.
Contact Us
Dustin Terpening, WSDOT Communications
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233
Office: 360-757-5997
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