Date:  Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Contact: Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, (360) 759-1310 (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2058 (Vancouver)

VANCOUVER – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced this week the advertisement of the I-5, SR 501 Ridgefield Interchange project, the largest project in southwest Washington funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Thanks to the hard work of many in the local communities and the addition of stimulus funds, we’re able to start delivering a project that is vital to the economic future of Clark County,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary.

The I-5, SR 501 Ridgefield Interchange project will be constructed in two stages. Construction on Stage 1 is scheduled to begin in September, and will improve safety and mobility by reconstructing the SR 501 interchange at I-5. Reconstruction work includes widening the interchange from two lanes to four, adding turn lanes and building sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel.

Stage 1 is completely funded through $13 million in pre-existing and 2005 gas tax funds as well as $11 million in grants and local agency funds. It received $10 million in 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds earlier this year, allowing WSDOT to begin constructing the project earlier than anticipated.

Stage 2 of this project will be built when funds become available. This stage makes improvements to the SR 501 and 56th Place intersection as well as the Pioneer Street and 65th Avenue intersection. Stage 2 also includes roadway and bicycle/pedestrian improvements to adjacent roads.

This project is expected to be complete in late 2011 or early 2012. For more information, please visit the project Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/I5/SR501Interchange/.

Washington State is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, enabling every Washingtonian to see where their tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden, a proven and aggressive Inspector General, to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted.

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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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