Date:  Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Contact: Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer, (360) 442-1346 (Kelso)
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

KELSO – After three weeks of successful rock scaling along State Route 4, 45-minute closures have ceased as the project moves forward into the next phase, announced the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). For the duration of the project, until late summer, drivers on SR 4 near County Line Park (mile post 46) may experience single-lane closures and sporadic traffic delays up to 20 minutes, Monday through Friday. Flaggers will be on site during the closures.

Crews removed approximately 200 cubic yards of loose debris during the rock scaling operation.

The second phase of the project consists of bolting the existing secure rock adjacent to SR 4 near the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum County line. Additionally, crews will install cable fence to catch any possible falling debris, and repave the portion of the roadway damaged by fallen rocks during the scaling operation. Construction is projected to conclude in September.

This rock stabilization project will yield safety improvements to the SR 4 corridor between mileposts 45.92 and 45.95, just East of County Line Park.

For weekly updates on this and all other state traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction/default.htm.

For more information about the SR 4 East of County Line Rockfall Project, and to see exact closure times, please contact WSDOT’s Kelso Area Engineering Office by phone (360-442-1341), by e-mail (swKelso@wsdot.wa.gov) or visit the project Web page at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR4/CountyLineRockfall.

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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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