Date:  Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Contact: Denys Tak, WSDOT Project Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (Kelso) toll-free
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

Crews enhance nearly 10 miles of highway in Pacific County

LONG BEACH – Drivers traveling US 101 near Chinook and SR 103 on the Long Beach peninsula now have a smoother and safer driving surface, new pavement markings and ADA enhancements in Long Beach thanks in part to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Morse Bros., Inc., dba Knife River, today completed the $2.5 million US 101/SR 103 – Fort Columbia Vicinity to Long Beach Vicinity paving and chip seal project. The project received $690,000 in Recovery Act funding, which extended the length of the project allowing WSDOT to pave more of the highway needing a preservation overlay and to construct it earlier than planned.

“Preserving these scenic byways helps promote economic vitality on the Long Beach peninsula and protects these essential routes for years to come,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “This project supported jobs and preserved the highway running through downtown Long Beach.”

“This project helped get our people back to work,” said Earl Campbell, Project Manager for Knife River. “It kept them employed for a period of time, and used local sub-contractors and suppliers for asphalt, concrete and chip sealing materials.” Over thirty local flaggers were employed during construction and more than twenty employees from Knife River were employed through the length of the project.

Crews resurfaced and enhanced nearly 10 miles of roadway in Pacific County. The pavement on these sections of US 101 and SR 103 was deteriorating due to age and normal wear. Paving portions of US 101 and SR 103, and chip sealing SR 103 protects the existing pavement from further damage, rejuvenates the road surface, and extends the life of the roadway. More than 45 sidewalk ramps were brought up to federal ADA standards, allowing increased access and mobility for all users.

For more project information, 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 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/newsfor pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/trafficor by dialing 5-1-1.

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