Date:  Monday, August 31, 2009

Contact: Broch Bender, WSDOT Communications, 206-437-6314 (Seattle)
Aleta Borschowa, WSDOT Project Engineer, 206768-5862 (Seattle)

MAPLE VALLEY – Drivers in Maple Valley are traveling on smoother pavement this week. Crews wrapped up work on Friday, August 28th between SR 169 between Witte Road and SE 264th Street. Crews working for WSDOT began work in May to repair 1.6 miles of deteriorated roadway and repave the highway with new asphalt.

“This stretch of road was pretty rough for many years, and I think drivers are going to really like the changes,” said WSDOT project engineer Aleta Borschowa. “From our perspective, it’s going to end costly temporary repairs, improve safety and ensure this important local route will last well into the future.”

A well-maintained roadway surface increases driver safety by reducing the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather, and increasing skid resistance.

Flaggers funneled traffic into one lane and limited side street access at night to keep drivers moving during the day. Neighbors endured several nights of noisy work while crews pulverized a quarter mile of cracked concrete.

“There were a few loud nights, but WSDOT quickly resolved the noise issue,” said Tom Bowen, city of Maple Valley Construction Inspector. Crews used portable noise shields, and quieter back-up alarms to help reduce noise at the source. WSDOT conducted outreach with neighbors and worked closely with the city of Maple Valley to inform residents about construction noise and provide them with construction grade earplugs upon request.

The $2 million project supported an estimated 15 jobs.

For more information on the project, visit the project Web page.

                                           ###

< Go Back