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US 97 Satus Creek Bridge construction
photo 9-14-12
Crews will open a detour bridge across Satus Creek (right) in early July 2012. Crews are replacing the existing Satus Creek Bridge (left).
In addition to replacing Satus Creek Bridge, crews are replacing the pavement near the bridge.
April 2013
- Crews switched traffic onto the new bridge, and the speed limit remains at 35 mph due to the narrow roadway.
- The project is shut down through winter and will resume in late April.
- For this week's traffic impacts visit the weekly construction update.
- Construction started March 16, 2012.
This project will construct a new bridge and improve US 97 to reduce the risk of crashes and improve drivability. The existing bridge will be removed.
Why is WSDOT
replacing Satus Creek Bridge and realigning US 97?
The existing Satus Creek bridge was constructed in 1942. It is narrow and overweight loads are restricted.
This section of US 97 has a history of collisions. The existing curve is substandard with a recommended safe speed of 55 mph, while the posted speed limit for the highway is 65 mph. Sight distance is also limited because of the curve. It is difficult to see oncoming traffic from two highway access points at this location.
Along with replacing the bridge and realigning the highway, WSDOT will improve other roadway elements including narrow shoulders, deteriorating pavement, and obstructions near the edge of the roadway.
The End Result
This project improves the last section of US 97 in Yakima County which has narrow lanes and shoulders, and substandard curves. A wider bridge and an improved roadway will reduce the risk of collisions. The new bridge will be longer than the current bridge to allow Satus Creek to flow more naturally.
Project Benefits
- Safety. The new bridge will be a minimum of 40 feet wide. The wider bridge and wider, straighter roadway will help reduce the risk of collisions. This project will also reconfigure two main access points to Tribal Lands.
- Environmental. WSDOT recognizes the cultural and environmental sensitivity of this area and will address potential impacts. The new bridge will be longer than the current bridge, allowing Satus Creek to flow more naturally. This will ultimately improve the overall quality of the wildlife habitat in the area. After the new road is constructed, the old bridge and road will be removed. The land will then be sculpted to a more natural state and replanted with native plants.
- Freight Mobility. US 97 over Satus Pass is a major connector between the Portland/Vancouver areas and the Yakima Valley. Over 1,000 trucks per day use this stretch of highway.
What is the project timeline?
Scheduled start: spring 2012
Scheduled completion: Spring 2013
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 509702N, 509702O, 509703L |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$12,742 |
| Total |
$12,742 |
|
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Moe Davari, WSDOT project engineer
WSDOT South Central Project Office
1655 Fowler Street
Richland, WA 99352
509.222.2402
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