Date:  Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Contact: Colin Newell, WSDOT Project Engineer, (360) 740-8603 (Chehalis)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

CHEHALIS – State Route 6 near Pe Ell will reopen to traffic during night time hours starting on Wednesday evening, February 13, announces the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). One lane will remain closed and flaggers will be on site directing traffic through the duration of construction work.

Construction crews have been able to access and secure the critical portion of the previously unstable slope, giving WSDOT engineers more confidence in the stability of the slope adjacent to SR 6. A spotter who will be watching the slope will remain on site and artificial lighting will illuminate the slope.

“The critical area which has previously been difficult to monitor during non-daylight hours has been accessed and stabilized,” said Glenn Schneider, WSDOT Southwest Region Construction Engineer. “Our goal was to get access established and start the upper slide debris removal, so we could lift the closure as soon as possible. Now, we feel comfortable opening the road up at night and providing a safe passage for drivers,” Schneider added.

Rain and snow have impeded the overall progress of the project. Crews will continue working during these conditions, but a stretch of dry weather is needed in order to accomplish much of the work necessary for a successful completion. WSDOT does not anticipate another full closure for the duration of the construction project, but in the interest of public safety crews may close the highway if the conditions are warranted.

Contractor crews began repairs to the unstable slope on January 28, after geotechnical engineers determined the safest and most prudent course of action to repair the area. Construction work will be complete in early spring, as crews remove approximately 75,000 cubic yards of debris from the slope adjacent to the highway, down to the bedrock, and re-grade the remaining slope.

WSDOT installed temporary traffic cameras at this location for public to monitor traffic imacts and work progress. Images can be accessed at http://wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/swcam.aspx?cam=8101. 

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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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