In summer 2017, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will resurface 7.4 lane miles of US 97 and 14.48 lane miles of State Route 14.

The asphalt on several portions of US 97 and SR 14 are nearing the end of their useful life and this work is necessary to help preserve the road for the next several years.

Additionally, safety restorations will be made on both stretches of roadway, including centerline and shoulder rumble strip installations, restriping, replacing guardrails, and installing new reflective guideposts throughout the project limits.

Why is WSDOT repaving stretches of US 97 and SR 14 through the Columbia River Gorge?
The purpose of this work is to preserve the pavement structure through pavement repairs by placing hot mix asphalt down on the worn and damaged stretches of pavement.

These two stretches of highway see a high volume of traffic, especially in the summer months. Because of this, over time, the existing asphalt is showing signs of wearing and oxidation, as well as cracking, rutting and potholes.

What can drivers expect:
Paving for US 97 will be between the entrance for Brooks Memorial State Park and Klickitat County line. (Mileposts 26.80 to 33.52.)

Paving for SR 14 will be between the SR 14 Maryhill Spur and Cliffs Road. (Mileposts 101.48 to 108.72.) 

Drivers should plan for daytime, single-lane closures with flaggers and pilot car operations and anticipate delays of up to 20 minutes in duration.

The End Result
In addition to providing a smoother ride, this work helps WSDOT preserve sections of the roadway on both US 97 and SR 14 through the Columbia River Gorge.

This project also improves safety by installing centerline and shoulder rumble strips, restriping the highway and with the installation of reflective guideposts throughout both sections of the project.

Project Benefits

• Preservation - Repaving sections of US 97 and SR 14 will extend and preserve the infrastructure. 
• Economic - Reduces the need for costly emergency maintenance repairs and unexpected closures.
• Safety - Removing ruts and potholes will produce a smoother highway surface, creating a safer ride for drivers.

What is the project timeline?

• Spring 2017: Project will go to competitive bid
• Summer 2017: Construction begins
• Fall 2017: Project scheduled for completion