Date:  Thursday, June 25, 2009

Contact: Leon Winger, WSDOT Project Engineer, (800) 725-9669 (Vancouver) toll-free
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

Drivers will encounter closures, minor delays on nearly 28 miles of SR 4 this summer

SKAMOKAWA – Construction on a 28-mile stretch of SR 4 through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties begins this week as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins work on another stimulus-funded project.

The SR 4 – Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road – Paving and Guardrail Upgrade project will enhance motorist safety along SR 4 by upgrading guardrail and cable barrier and retrofitting bridges with improved railings. SR 4 will also be paved, preserving the life of the roadway and providing motorists with a safer, smoother ride.

The $6.5 million construction contract for this project was awarded earlier this month to Lakeside Industries, Inc. of Longview. The project combines state funding with more than $900,000 in local funds and $200,000 in 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds provided by Wahkiakum County.

Beginning Monday, June 29, drivers will encounter daytime single-lane closures on SR 4 between Skamokawa and Coal Creek Road (mile post 27.5 to 55.0). These lane closures are necessary to allow contractor crews to install signs and temporary fencing, and to mobilize construction equipment into the area.

Throughout the course of this project, daytime single-lane closures will continue in order for crews to resurface the roadway, retrofit and install new guardrail, and restripe the pavement. In addition, crews will replace a damaged culvert pipe that crosses the highway just east of Stella Road (mile post 51.5). A continuous single-lane closure will be implemented for up to two weeks to allow crews to safely repair river embankment near the roadway east of County Line Park (mile post 42.3).

WSDOT is partnering with Wahkiakum County to pave West Little Island and Beaver Creek roads in the project vicinity. Paving these two roads will repair ruts and cracks in the pavement, preserve the roadway and improve safety for drivers.

The project is scheduled for completion in October.

For more information this project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR4/SkamokawaCoalCreek/.

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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