Date:  Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Contact: Amir Ahmadi, Project Engineer, 425-225-8725 (Everett)
Aurora Jones, Communications, 206-440-4470 (Seattle)

$2.5 million in ARRA funding will improve traveler information systems

MARYSVILLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation this week awarded Tri-State Construction, Inc. of Bellevue the contract to replace 10 miles of cable median barrier with concrete barrier along northbound I-5 in Marysville. The project, partially funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will improve safety by further reducing the risk of crossover collisions on this busy stretch of I-5.

The winning bid of $13.3 million was nearly 15 percent below WSDOT’s construction estimate.

“Installing concrete median barrier along I-5 in Marysville will provide the highest level of protection against drivers crossing the median and entering oncoming lanes of traffic,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “Reducing the risk of crossover collisions will improve safety for all drivers on this vital transportation corridor.”

The 2008 legislature originally allocated $26.9 million for this project, but in February 2009 WSDOT received an additional $2.5 million in ARRA funding to improve freeway operations and traveler information. This funding will allow for the installation of traffic cameras, overhead message signs, and traffic data detectors along I-5 in Marysville. WSDOT estimates that this project will support approximately 100 jobs. Tri-State Construction crews expect to start work in August 2009.

WSDOT engineers began work on this project in July 2007, after Gov. Gregoire requested that WSDOT, the Washington State Patrol and independent experts complete a detailed review of statewide cable median barrier performance. The report noted a higher-than-average number of crossover collisions on I-5 in Marysville and recommended installing concrete barrier along northbound I-5 to provide the highest possible level of protection against crossover collisions. The existing southbound cable barrier system will remain in place. Crews will also widen the northbound roadway shoulder to 10 feet to provide refuge for disabled vehicles and emergency responders.

WSDOT expects to complete the project in late 2010. For more information, visit the project Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i5/marysvillemedianbarrier.

Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.

For a list of the 181 Washington highway projects, and detail on other federal stimulus transportation investments, visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Funding/stimulus/ProjectList.htm

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