View entire map This project is located in Kittitas County on US 97 from MP 154.2 to MP 155.2,
View entire photo. Before- Looking South. The road has now been widened adjacent to the southbound lane to accommodate the northbound passing lane.
View entire photo. Before - The northbound passing lane is 9 miles south of the Blewett Pass summit near Mineral Springs.
This Safety Improvement, Collision Reduction project built a northbound passing lane on US 97, nine miles south of the Blewett Pass summit near Mineral Springs.
Why is WSDOT
adding a NB passing lane on US 97?
Due to its mountainous character, this section of US 97 has limited safe passing opportunities. This results in drivers attempting unsafe passing maneuvers, increasing the potential for cross-over accidents.
The passing lane provides drivers with an opportunity for passing slower vehicles without utilizing the oncoming traffic's lane.
The End Result
A new 12 foot wide northbound passing lane approximately 1 mile long.
Project Benefits
- Safety Improvement - reducing the need for vehicles to pass using the oncoming traffic lane.
- Congestion Reduction - cuts the number of vehicles stuck behind slower moving vehicles such as trucks.
What is the project timeline?
Construction began August 9, 2010 and was complete on June 30, 2011.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 209703E |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$1,668 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$0 |
| Total |
$1,668 |
|
This project was advertised for private contractor bids May 24, 2010. 5 qualified bids were opened on June 24. June 28, Contract #7957 was awarded to Granite Northwest, Inc. for $881,188.00, 30% below the engineering estimate.
This project is funded through the following sources:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Eric Pierson
2830 Euclid Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
or
PO Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807-0098
Phone: 509-667-2870
E-mail: piersoe@wsdot.wa.gov
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