Date:  Friday, September 05, 2008

Contact: Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications (206) 440-4475
Mike Askarian, WSDOT Project Engineer, (206) 768-5861

BLACK DIAMOND – Both lanes of SR 169 over the Green River are now open. Crews finished stabilizing the slope at the southeast end of the Kummer bridge a week early. Contractors finished removing their equipment on Thursday evening.

During this phase, crews drove 63 specialized soil-nails into the slope and then covered the slope with spray-on concrete.

“The soil nails and concrete will help support the slope, stabilize the road and ultimately protect the bridge,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Mike Askarian.

What’s next

In the second phase of repair work, crews will install a series of drainage pipes deep into the land south of the bridge. The pipes will remove the excess water that’s causing the landslide.

“We have to get rid of that water if we want to reduce the slide activity,” said Askarian.

The next phase is scheduled to begin in late September and may require more lane closures. Installation of the drainage pipes should be completed by early November.

The soil-nail and drainage pipe solution will cost approximately $2 million. WSDOT has received federal money to pay for these repairs.

Drivers can find more information and regular updates on this project at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR169/GreenRiverRepair/

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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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