Date:  Monday, December 31, 2007

Contact: Erin Bogenschutz, WSDOT communications, 206-440-4788

SNOHOMISH – Less than one month after historic rains destroyed a section of State Route 96 (Seattle Hill Road) near Snohomish, crews have reopened the road to traffic. Late this afternoon, crews finished paving the roadway and removed the barriers that have kept drivers out since Dec. 3.

“Our crews deserve all the credit for making this happen,” said Project Engineer Marlin Lenssen. “They have been working around the clock to complete the repairs. We still have a few things left to finish, but we’re thrilled to be opening the roadway so quickly.”

Wilder Construction crews working for WSDOT began repairs on Dec. 11 and finished installing the new box culvert by Dec. 19. The new culvert, which is ten feet wide and five feet tall, will protect against future flooding and improve fish passage.

Once the new culvert was in place, crews built two new retaining walls on either side of the roadway and added fill material to bring the road up to its original level. They also replaced guardrail and handrail damaged by the flooding. All they had left to do before opening the road was pave.

“We had great weather on Sunday and into Monday and the paving went smoothly,” said Lenssen. “The crews worked overnight to make sure that drivers got a great New Year’s surprise.”

Crews originally expected to finish repairs by mid-January, but were helped along by good weather, available materials and an aggressive work schedule. With the road now open, they will focus on installing permanent striping and curbing, and replanting some areas near the road. Drivers may see some single lane closures between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays with flaggers alternating traffic.

SR 96 has been closed between 125th St SE and 60th Ave SE since Dec. 3, when severe flooding collapsed the culvert under the road and washed out the ground supporting the roadway. For more information, visit our project Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR96/SeattleHillRoadSlideRepair.

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