For the week of: July 4-10, 2009
The following Washington State Department of Transportation construction and maintenance projects are expected to have some travel impacts within Southwest Washington. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling in these areas and remember to "
give ‘em a brake" in construction zones.
Counties: Clark |
Cowlitz |
Klickitat |
Lewis |
Pacific |
Skamania |
Wahkiakum | *
Yakima

Please Note:
Daytime traffic impacts typically take place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and nighttime impacts between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Times may vary based on weather and other (construction-related) variables. Most activities are subject to good weather conditions. If it rains, work may be cancelled or rescheduled.
No work is scheduled to occur over the Fourth of July weekend.
Information for bordering states can be found at the
Bordering Travel Information page.
For more information, contact SW Region Communications toll-free at 1-866-973-6879. Para más información en español, Ud se puede llamar a 1-866-973-6879 y marque 2.

CONSTRUCTION:
I-205, Mill Plain – NE 112th Connector (milepost 28)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Daytime flagging on northbound I-205 off-ramp to westbound Mill Plain Boulevard for construction activities.
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Daytime flagging on northbound I-205 on-ramp from Mill Plain Boulevard for construction activities.
- July 10, 9 p.m.-July 13, 5 a.m.: Continuous right lane closure northbound on I-205 for paving operations from SR 14 junction to NE 9th Street.
- July 10, 9 p.m.-July 13, 5 a.m.: Continuous closure of northbound I-205 off-ramps to Mill Plain Boulevard for paving operations. Emergency vehicles access will be allowed.
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures northbound on Chkalov Drive near NE 112th Avenue for electrical work.
Note: The northbound I-205 on-ramp from Mill Plain Boulevard has been shifted to a narrow detour route for bridge construction. No oversized loads are permitted on the ramp during this work. Bridge construction is expected to be complete fall 2009.
Project Description:
Through this project, crews will build a direct connection to NE 112th Avenue from the off-ramp of northbound I-205 to westbound Mill Plain Boulevard. When completed, the new ramp will reduce delays around the intersection of Mill Plain Boulevard and Chkalov Drive and at the northbound I-205 off ramp to Mill Plain Boulevard by 50 percent during peak travel times in 2020. This project will also help reduce rear-end-collisions on the Mill Plain Boulevard off ramp, which has been identified as a High Accident Location. This project began construction in June 2008 and is expected to be complete in 2010. For more information, contact Allen Hendy in the Vancouver Area Engineering Office at (800) 725-9669, or visit the project Web page.
SR 503, NE 119th Avenue at the Bowyer Market Place (mileposts 2.66-3.01)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures southbound on SR 503 for sign construction activities.
July 6-10, 7 p.m.-2 p.m.: Daytime and nighttime single lane closures northbound on SR 503 for construction activities.
Project Description:
A private development is being constructed at the intersection of SR 503 and NE 119th Avenue. Through this project, crews will install a turn lane on southbound SR 503 to NE 119th Avenue, new curbing, pavement markings and complete signal replacement operations at this location. ADA facilities will also be updated during this work. Most of this work will occur on the west side of NE 119th Avenue. WSDOT reduced the speed limit on SR 503 by extending the 40 mph posted speed limit an additional 500 feet north of NE 119th Avenue (milepost 2.81) to accommodate the expansion of the commercial district along the highway. Work began on June 29 and is expected to be complete in October. For more information, contact Allen Hendy in the Vancouver Area Engineering Office at (800) 725-9669.
Vancouver Rail – Rail Bypass and W. 39th Street Bridge
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Daytime flagging at the intersection of W. 39th Street and Fruit Valley Road as crews perform utility installation and embankment work.
- Note: The rail crossing at W. 39th Street is closed to all traffic for rail bypass construction.
Project Description:
This project will construct a rail bypass line and vehicular/bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing on W. 39th Street at the Vancouver rail yard. It is a partnership project between WSDOT, the City of Vancouver and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad. BNSF will construct the rail bypass portion of the project, which began construction in September 2008. WSDOT began construction of the overcrossing bridge in mid-May 2009. The entire project is scheduled for completion in summer 2011. For more information, contact Chris Tams in the Columbia Gorge Area Engineering Office at (866) 279-0730, or Kevin Jeffers, WSDOT State Rail and Marine Office at (360) 705-7982, or visit the project Web page.
MAINTENANCE:
SR 14, Eastbound between I-5 interchange and SE 164th Avenue (mileposts 0-9)
July 8-11: Daytime mobile right lane closure eastbound on SR 14 for pavement repair operations.
SR 500, Both directions at the Washougal River Bridge (mileposts 19.59)
July 6: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 500 for bridge inspection operations.
SR 503, Southbound between Gerber McKee Road and NE 266th Avenue (mileposts 22.34-23.78)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of SR 503 for installation of power poles.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
I-5, North Kelso to Castle Rock – Concrete Rehabilitation
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of I-5 for construction activities.
- July 6-9, 8:30 p.m.-7 a.m.: Nighttime double lane closures in both directions of I-5 for construction activities.
- July 10, 10 p.m.-8 a.m.: Nighttime double lane closures in both directions of I-5 for construction activities.
Project Description:
WSDOT’s contractor will repair and retrofit approximately 180 damaged concrete panels on nearly 14 miles of I-5 and repave the interstate’s northbound lanes of travel. Through the course of this project, crews will grind out existing pavement, remove damaged concrete panels, overlay the pavement surface with new asphalt, and improve guardrail along this section of I-5. Replacing damaged concrete panels and resurfacing the interstate will extend the life of the roadway and provide motorists with a safer, smoother drive. In addition, this project will strengthen I-5, allowing the interstate to continue handling heavy commuter and freight traffic for years to come. Construction began on June 24, 2009, and is scheduled for completion in October 2009. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the Project Web Page.
SR 4, Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road – Paving and Guardrail Upgrade (mileposts 27.47-55.01)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures and flaggers in both directions of SR 4 near Coal Creek (mileposts 51-55) for construction activities.
Project Description:
Throughout this project, guardrail improvements and paving will take place along State Route 4, between Skamokawa in Wahkiakum County (milepost 27.47) and Coal Creek Road in Cowlitz County (milepost 55.01). Additionally, West Little Island Road and Beaver Creek Road in Wahkiakum County will be paved by agreement with Wahkiakum County. Paving this section of SR 4 will repair ruts and cracks in the existing pavement and extend the life of the roadway, in addition to providing a smoother and safer ride for motorists. Construction begins later this week and crews anticipate construction to be complete in fall 2009. For more information, contact Leon Winger in the Vancouver Area Engineering Office at (800) 725-9669, or visit the project Web page.
SR 4 / SR 401 – Roadside Safety Improvements
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: No traffic impacts are scheduled. Work has been suspended on this project until August 15, 2009 for wildlife nesting.
Project Description:
Contractor crews will make safety improvements on SR 401 by installing guardrail between US 101 and the SR 401 junction near Knappton. Crews will head north on SR 401 and continue safety improvements until the SR 4 junction in Naselle. Guardrail installation will continue on SR 4 between US 101 near Johnsons Landing in Pacific County and head east through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties, concluding at the SR 432 junction in Longview. Once complete, the SR 4 and SR 401 corridors will have enhanced safety to help reduce to severity of run off the road collisions in these rural areas. Construction began May 13, 2009, and crews anticipate construction to be complete in fall 2009. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the Project Web Page.
SR 4, Ocean Beach Highway Signal Upgrade - Olympia Way Right Turn Lane (milepost 59.7) – City of Longview
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: No traffic impacts scheduled.
Project Description:
The City of Longview has contracted with Northeast Electric to construct a right-turn lane from SR 4 and install a 120-foot long signal bridge at the intersection of Olympia Way and State Route 4 - Ocean Beach Highway (milepost 59.7). Construction is already underway with single lane closures expected to begin in August. The project is scheduled for completion in October 2009. For more information, contact Tom Gorman with the City of Longview at (360) 442-5205.
SR 432/SR 433 Turn Lane Improvements project by the City of Longview - Complete
Through this project, Longview’s contractor, Tapani Underground, brought the roadway up to federal standards, improved drainage systems and upgraded traffic signals within the project limits. Work was performed near the vicinity of mileposts 6.1 to 6.8 on SR 432 and mileposts .55 to .9 on SR 433. This project was complete in late June 2009. For more information, contact Tom Gorman with the City of Longview at (360) 442-5205 or visit the City’s Project Web page.
SR 433, Lewis and Clark Bridge Painter (milepost 0)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: No traffic impacts scheduled.
Project Description:
Through this project, contractor crews will clean and paint the steel members of the substructure of the SR 433 Lewis and Clark Bridge to help preserve and prolong the life of the bridge. The bridge will be painted in three phases; phases 1 and 2 will paint the steel underneath the roadway, and phase 3 will paint all of the steel above the roadway. The first phase of the project, completed in February 2008, cleaned and painted piers in the Columbia River. The second phase cleans and paints the remaining piers in the Columbia River, as well as some of the bridge towers on the Washington side and is expected to be complete spring 2010. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the project Web page.
MAINTENANCE:
I-5, Both directions at the Toutle River Bridge (mileposts 51.71)
July 7-9: Daytime right lane closure northbound on I-5 for bridge repair operations.
SR 503, Southbound between Woodland Park Road and the Jim Creek Bridge (mileposts 37.67-39.65)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of SR 503 for installation of power poles.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
No traffic impacts scheduled.
MAINTENANCE:
SR 14, Both directions between the Cape Horn Slide Bridge and the Klickitat River Bridge (mileposts 25-75.76)
July 6-9: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 14 for multiple bridge inspections.
SR 14, Both directions near Cliffs Road vicinity (milepost 106-107)
July 6-9: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 14 for slide removal operations.
US 97, Both directions near the Old Maryhill Loop Road (milepost 6.23)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of US 97 for installation of overhead power.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
I-5, Koontz Road to Harrison Avenue (mileposts 69.44-82.73) – Paving
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 9 p.m.-5:30 a.m.: Nighttime single lane closures and ramp closures will occur at exit 71 in both directions of I-5 for paving operations.
- Note: The speed limit between Koontz Road and Rush Road (mile posts 69.44 to 72.83) will be reduced from 70 mph to 60 mph, effective only during work hours.
Project Description:
The asphalt pavement on this section of I-5 is deteriorating due to age and normal wear. Through this project, WSDOT’s contractor Lakeside Industries, Inc. will pave and resurface the interstate to repair ruts and cracks in the existing pavement and extend the life of the roadway. This project will provide a smoother and safer ride for motorists. The project will also strengthen and preserve the road surface, allowing I-5 to continue handling heavy commuter and freight traffic. Crews began resurfacing work on June 22 and expect the project to complete by fall 2009. For more information, contact Colin Newell in the Chehalis Area Engineering Office at (866) 713-2412 or visit the Project Web page.
I-5, Rush Road to 13th Street (mileposts 72.39-76.15) – Widening and Interchange
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: Daytime shoulder closures on I-5, in both directions for final work activities.
- July 6-10: Nighttime single lane closures on I-5, in both directions for final work activities.
Project Description:
Through this project, a new interchange was constructed at LaBree Road (exit 74) and four miles of I-5 was widened between Rush Road and 13th Street. The highway was widened from two lanes to three lanes in each direction. This project began construction in July 2007 and was functionally completed on June 2, when the new LaBree Road interchange was opened to traffic. For more information, contact Colin Newell in the Chehalis Area Engineering Office at (866) 713-2412 or visit the Project Web page.
SR 6, South Fork Chehalis River Bridge Replacement (milepost 42.62)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures and flagging on SR 6, in both directions for construction vehicles to access the work zone.
Project Description:
Through this project, the bridge over the south fork of the Chehalis River, approximately 15 miles west of Chehalis, will be replaced with an improved and wider bridge. Currently, oncoming traffic must stop to yield to large vehicles crossing the bridge, causing an elevated incidence of rear-end collisions. The new bridge will be 40 feet in width, 14 feet wider than the current structure, eliminating motorists’ urge to stop at the bridge and thereby improving safety along this stretch of SR 6. The new bridge will be built 20 feet to the north of the current structure, allowing motorists to continue using the existing bridge until the new bridge is completed. Construction is scheduled for completion in late fall 2009. For more information, contact Colin Newell in the Chehalis Area Engineering Office at (866) 713-2412 or visit the Project Web page.
SR 508, Both directions at the South Fork Newaukum River Bridge (milepost 13.65) – Weight Restrictions
Traffic Impacts:
• Single vehicles are restricted to 18 tons.
• Tractor-semi trailers are restricted to 29 tons.
• Truck-trailers are restricted 36 tons.
A damaged support beam requires weight restrictions on this bridge to maintain the serviceability of the bridge. Single vehicles are restricted to 18 tons, tractor-semi trailers are restricted to 29 tons and truck-trailers are restricted 36 tons. Advanced warning signs will be posted near Gish Road (milepost 4.7) on the west side of the bridge and near Justus Road (milepost 18.43) and August Road (milepost 15.47) on the east side of the bridge. This will provide overweight truck traffic the opportunity to change course before they reach the bridge.
SR 508, Tilton River Bridge (mileposts 32.25) – Scour Repair
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with automated signal to direct traffic to use only the westbound lane for travel. Legal-weight restrictions are also in effect.
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Daytime intermittent flagging on SR 508 to allow construction vehicles to access the work zone. Motorists should expect up to 15-minute delays during peak travel times.
Project Description:
Through this project, WSDOT’s contractor will make repairs to the foundation of a damaged bridge pier on the SR 508, Tilton River Bridge (milepost 32.25) located just west of Morton. Damage was caused by the January 2009 winter storms, when the area endured a significant amount of flood damage, heavy debris in the rivers and rapid snow-melt. The damage consists of broken concrete and exposure under the foundation of the bridge pier created by the turbulent waters. During construction, an automated signal device will continue to direct all traffic to use the westbound lane when crossing the bridge. This will minimize stress to the affected pier under the eastbound lane. Motorists can expect up to 15-minute delays during peak travel times with flaggers assisting construction vehicles in and out of the project area. WSDOT estimates the project cost at approximately $700,000, and repairs are scheduled for completion by late July 2009. For more information, contact Allen Hendy in the Vancouver Area Engineering Office at (800) 725-9669.
US 12, West Side White Pass (mileposts 141.76-141.92) – Stabilize Slopes
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: Daylight traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on US 12 between milepost 141 and milepost 142 for slope stabilization activities. Motorists should expect minor delays. Work will conclude by 12 p.m. on Friday, July 3.
Project Description:
This project will stabilize slopes in three areas on US 12 between the Junction of US 12 and SR 123 and the summit at White Pass. Work will consist of removing and clearing of trees, slope scaling to remove loose boulders, installation of rock bolts and dowels to stabilize the slope and hanging of rock fall mesh to keep any future rock falls from entering the roadway. This project began construction in March 2009 and is expected to be complete fall 2009. For more information, contact Project Engineer Paul Gonseth at (509) 577-1810.
Chamber Way Improvements - City of Chehalis
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures throughout the project limits for construction and electrical work.
Project Description:
Through this project, Chehalis contractor crews will widen ramps and intersections and install new traffic signals to increase traffic capacity on Chamber Way. This project is scheduled for completion in late summer 2009. For more information, contact Tim Grochowski with the City of Chehalis at (360) 748-0238.
MAINTENANCE:
SR 6, Both directions between Chilvers Road and NW Louisiana Avenue (mileposts 49.2-51.2)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of SR 6 for installation of overhead power.
SR 507, Both directions between North Tower Avenue and Reynolds Avenue (mileposts 2.2-2.7)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of SR 507 for installation of overhead power.
US 12, Both directions between Lewis Road and Lake Creek Road (mileposts 132.15-132.78)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of US 12 for installation of overhead power.
US 12, Both directions near White Pass vicinity (mileposts 151-155)
July 6-9: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on US 12 for ditch cleaning operations.
SR 508, Both directions in the Bear Canyon area (mileposts 20-22)
Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling through the Bear Canyon area, as geotechnical experts are continuing to monitor the slope where a slide occurred after the January 2009 storms.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
SR 4 / SR 401 – Roadside Safety Improvements
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: No traffic impacts are scheduled. Work has been suspended on this project until August 15, 2009 for wildlife nesting.
Project Description:
Contractor crews will make safety improvements on SR 401 by installing guardrail between US 101 and the SR 401 junction near Knappton. Crews will head north on SR 401 and continue safety improvements until the SR 4 junction in Naselle. Guardrail installation will continue on SR 4 between US 101 near Johnsons Landing in Pacific County and head east through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties, concluding at the SR 432 junction in Longview. Once complete, the SR 4 and SR 401 corridors will have enhanced safety to help reduce to severity of run off the road collisions in these rural areas. Construction began May 13, 2009, and crews anticipate construction to be complete in fall 2009. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the Project Web Page.
US 101 / SR 6 to Grays Harbor County Line (mileposts 58.49-67.18) - Paving
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures will occur on US 101 for pavement repair operations. Sidewalk detours will be available during ADA ramp work.
Project Description:
Contractor crews will resurface nearly 10 miles of US 101 between SR 6 in Raymond and the Grays Harbor County line (mile posts 58.49 to 67.18) and bring ADA ramps in Raymond up to current standards. Temporary ADA facilities will be available throughout construction. Paving work will begin at the northern end of the project area and crews will work their way south. Paving operations in the city of Raymond begin in August, and drivers will be directed to use local detours as crews work through a series of closures on US 101. Commercial Street and Franklin Street in Raymond will remain open. For more information, contact Colin Newell in the Chehalis Area Engineering Office at (866) 713-2412.
US 101 / SR 103 Fort Columbia Vic./Long Beach Vic. Paving and Chip Seal
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures on SR 103 for crack sealing work between Pioneer Road W and 255th Place (mileposts 2.53-10.77).
Project Description:
Contractor crews will use hot-mix asphalt to pave US 101 between the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Fort Columbia vicinity (mileposts 1.85 to 2.46) and recently completed a portion of SR 103 between 15th Street SE and 13th Street NE (milepost 0.80 to 1.99). Crews will chip seal SR 103 between Pioneer Road W and 255th Place (mileposts 2.53 to 10.77). Once this project is complete, drivers will experience a safer, smoother driving surface. WSDOT will also enhance drivability with updated safety features such as ADA sidewalks and new curbing, signing, and striping. This project began construction on May 15, 2009 and is expected to be complete by late August. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the Project Web Page.
MAINTENANCE:
SR 100, Both directions near the SR 100 Spur in Ilwaco (mileposts 3-4)
July 6: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 100 for roadway repair operations.
SR 105, Both directions between Camenzind Road and Cranberry Beach Road (mileposts 3-26)
July 6-9: Daytime shoulder closures with buffer truck on SR 105 for roadside mowing operations.
US 101, Both directions between Fort Columbia State Park and Mill Ranch Road (mileposts 3-28)
July 6-8: Daytime shoulder closures with buffer truck on US 101 for roadside mowing operations.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
No traffic impacts scheduled.
MAINTENANCE:
SR 14, Both directions between the Cape Horn Slide Bridge and the Klickitat River Bridge (mileposts 25-75.76)
July 6-9: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 14 for multiple bridge inspections.
SR 14, Both directions between Duncan Creek Road and Butler Loop Road (mileposts 32.8-33.4)
July 6-10: Daytime single lane closures in both directions of SR 14 for installation of overhead power.
top

CONSTRUCTION:
SR 4, Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road – Paving and Guardrail Upgrade (mileposts 27.47-55.01)
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.: Daytime single lane closures and flaggers in both directions of SR 4 near Coal Creek (mileposts 51-55) for construction activities.
Project Description:
Throughout this project, guardrail improvements and paving will take place along State Route 4, between Skamokawa in Wahkiakum County (milepost 27.47) and Coal Creek Road in Cowlitz County (milepost 55.01). Additionally, West Little Island Road and Beaver Creek Road in Wahkiakum County will be paved by agreement with Wahkiakum County. Paving this section of SR 4 will repair ruts and cracks in the existing pavement and extend the life of the roadway, in addition to providing a smoother and safer ride for motorists. Construction began on June 29 and is scheduled for completion in fall 2009. For more information, contact Leon Winger in the Vancouver Area Engineering Office at (800) 725-9669, or visit the project Web page.
SR 4 / SR 401 – Roadside Safety Improvements
Traffic Impacts:
- July 6-10: No traffic impacts are scheduled. Work has been suspended on this project until August 15, 2009.
Project Description:
Contractor crews will make safety improvements on SR 401 by installing guardrail between US 101 and the SR 401 junction near Knappton. Crews will head north on SR 401 and continue safety improvements until the SR 4 junction in Naselle. Guardrail installation will continue on SR 4 between US 101 near Johnsons Landing in Pacific County and head east through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties, concluding at the SR 432 junction in Longview. Once complete, the SR 4 and SR 401 corridors will have enhanced safety to help reduce to severity of run off the road collisions in these rural areas. Construction began May 13, 2009, and crews anticipate construction to be complete in fall 2009. For more information, contact Denys Tak in the Kelso Area Engineering Office toll-free at (800) 545-1393, or visit the Project Web Page.
MAINTENANCE:
No traffic impacts scheduled.
top

* A small portion of Yakima County along US 12 to Rimrock. For information about state transportation projects in the rest of Yakima County, please visit WSDOT's South Central Region's Web
Tips for Driving Through Work Zones
Pay attention - driver inattention is the number one cause of work zone accidents.
Leave room between you and the car ahead of you - most work zone accidents involve someone running into the car ahead of them. Drive defensively - be aware of what is happening around you.
Merge into the proper lane before you reach the work zone.
Don’t use cell phones or adjust your radio while driving through the work zone.
Avoid work zones by using alternate routes.
back to top