Date:  Friday, June 19, 2009

Contact: Denys Tak, WSDOT Project Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (Kelso) toll-free
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

Preparation, fair weather help wrap up work nearly two days ahead of schedule

LONG BEACH – Drivers will notice a smoother ride through the city of Long Beach as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announces the successful completion of resurfacing work on SR 103. The highway had been closed since the early morning hours of Monday, June 15 for paving operations and was reopened at 6 p.m. June 17, nearly two days ahead of schedule.

WSDOT’s contractor, Morse Bros., Inc. dba Knife River, was given an early completion incentive to encourage prompt and efficient work. Crews worked around-the-clock for three consecutive days, minimizing traffic impacts to local businesses and the community.

Strategic planning and favorable weather contributed to the success of this project. WSDOT also coordinated closely with the City of Long Beach, the Long Beach Visitors Bureau and local businesses to provide traffic impacts and detour information prior to the closure.

“This was a successful partnership effort which helped everyone involved prepare for the closure months in advance,” said Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer. “I’m very impressed with our contractor, Knife River, and the tremendous effort they have put forth on the project.”

SR 103 in Long Beach was repaved as part of the $2.5 million US 101/SR 103 – Fort Columbia Vic. to Long Beach Vic. paving and chip seal project, which began construction on May 15. The project received $690,000 in stimulus funding through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

What’s next?
In late June or early July, crews will begin chip sealing work on SR 103 between Pioneer Road W and 255th Place (mileposts 2.53 to 10.77) and finish installing new ADA ramps in the project area. In addition, crews will install pavement markings and new signage. This work is highly weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Once the entire project is complete, drivers will experience a safer, smoother ride and improved pedestrian and ADA facilities in Long Beach. The project is expected to be complete by August.

For more information about the US 101/SR 103 – Fort Columbia Vic. to Long Beach Vic. paving project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/PavementRehab/SR103_177StToBaySt/.

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.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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