Date:  Friday, January 25, 2008

Contact: Colin Newell, WSDOT Project Engineer, (360) 740-8603 (Chehalis)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 852-2537 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – Contractor crews will begin repairs to the unstable slope on SR 6, just west of Pe Ell, as early as next week, announces the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The repair work will take up to 30 working days, and current traffic impacts will remain in place until the project is complete.

The repair work will consist of removing approximately 75,000 cubic yards of debris from the slope adjacent to the highway, down to the bedrock, and regrading the remaining slope. After drilling 300 feet into the slope and examining several different options, WSDOT geotechnical engineers determined that this is the best way secure the slope and enhance safety of the driving public. Other options considered included building a protective wall with anchors installed into the bedrock or earth support, but neither was deemed appropriate due to the steep grade of the slope.

The contractor – Quigg Bros, Inc. – will mobilize equipment and begin work on Monday, Jan. 28. Crews will work Monday through Saturday and Sundays as needed, until the project is complete. This work is weather sensitive as severe rainfall could trigger the slide, putting the traveling public and workers at risk. The contract is expected to last 30 working days or less, with an estimated early spring completion and full reopening of the roadway.

During construction, current traffic impacts will continue, with the road remaining open to one lane during daylight hours. Additionally, there will be flaggers on site directing traffic during any necessary single-lane closures.

SR 6 was previously closed in Pacific and Lewis Counties from the vicinity of Elk Prairie Road (mile post 19) to the vicinity of Meyer Road (mile post 27). The closure was necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and work crews from a very unstable slope just west of Pe Ell, at mile post 27, as well as numerous other slides and other damage within the closure area. 


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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.

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