Date:  Friday, February 22, 2008

Contact:

Jeff Adamson, North Central Region Communications Manager, Wenatchee, (509) 667-2815, (509) 669-8778 Cell. E-mail: adamsoj@wsdot.wa.gov

Jennene Ring, North Central Region Traffic Engineer, Wenatchee, (509) 667-3080  E-mail: ringj@wsdot.wa.gov

WENATCHEE – The speed limit for a half mile section of US 97A at the north end of Entiat will be reduced from 50 to 40 mph on Thursday, February 28th. Last fall, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was asked by the community to reduce the speed limit in that area. As a result of the request an 18 month “test” 50 mph transition zone was proposed and signs were installed in January. This speed limit “test” section is being modified to further reduce the speed to 40 mph with a one year study period.

WSDOT’s North Central Region Traffic Engineer, Jennene Ring, will be coordinating with Entiat Mayor Keith Vradenburg to insure that the monitoring efforts meet city needs. “Entiat would like us to collect data summer weekends as well as during the week,” said Ring, “So we’ll continue to coordinate with the City as the study schedule is established.”

During the study period, WSDOT will monitor collision rates, prevailing speeds and rates of compliance. The Washington State Patrol has been asked to provide enforcement of the new speed limit, and to provide input on their assessment of the change. A report of preliminary test results will be provided to the State legislature and the City of Entiat this fall.

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