April 2013
• This project is currently scheduled to be
advertised for private contractor bids on April 15, 2013.
• Construction and road closure begins in early July. Travel times will be increased by 10 to 15 minutes to get around the worksite using the signed detour.
• WSDOT will accommodate high-traffic volumes with temporary openings during Morton Logger’s Jubilee and Labor Day Weekend. The highway will open from 6:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 and again from 6:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 to 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3
DETOUR:
A signed detour will be in place for both directions of SR 7 in Pierce County, from mileposts 21.69 to 27. Southbound drivers will use Alder Cutoff Road and northbound drivers will use SR 161 to navigate around the closure. Limited local access will be permitted. The detour will add 10 to 15 minutes to trips.
Why is WSDOT
Stabilizing These Slopes?
Recurring incidents of debris falling on the roadway prompted WSDOT to conduct testing to assess the issues and formulate a plan on how to permanently stabilize the slope.
The End Result
The slope stabilization reduces the potential for slide related closures of SR 7 and increases the protection of motorists from rock fall hazards.
Project Benefits
Reduced slides is the primary benefit, but this work also reduces maintenance costs associated with cleaning up fallen rocks as well as avoiding costly repairs to the roadway.
What is the project timeline?
- April 2012 – Initial landslide.
- May 2012 – Crews remove 300 cubic yards of loose rock and material.
- June 2012 – Rocks and debris fall from hillside above roadway; roadway closed.
- July – October 2012 – Geotechnical engineers monitored roadway, performed tests, designed permanent fix, and advertised project for bid. Bids came back much higher than cost estimates, so WSDOT made temporary repairs with plans to re-advertise.
- October 2012 – Highway reopened with restrictions.
- April 2013 – Project goes to bid for second time.
- July 2013 – Construction begins.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
This project is funded from the following sources:
Federal - $1,225,000
State - $983,515
Total funding from all sources - $2,208,515
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Jon Deffenbacher
Project Engineer
253-365-6700
Claudia Bingham-Baker
WSDOT communications
360-357-2789
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