Date:  Thursday, August 20, 2009

Contact: Leon Winger, WSDOT Project Engineer, 360-905-1500 (Vancouver)
Ken Hash, WSDOT Local Programs, 360-905-2215 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2079 (Vancouver)
Trevor Evers, City of Washougal Public Works, 360-835-8501 (Washougal)
Braidy Richins, Wallis Engineering, 360-695-7041 (Vancouver)

WASHOUGAL – Drivers on SR 14 will encounter a temporary speed reduction from 55 mph to 25 mph in Washougal beginning Tuesday, August 25, as the City of Washougal continues construction on the stimulus-funded SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel project.

The $3.2 million SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel project received nearly $600,000 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funds, allowing the City to increase the scope of the project. The project began construction on July 6 and is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

The speed reduction effects both directions of SR 14 between just west of Washougal River Road and 32nd Street through the project limits in Washougal. A temporary roadway under construction will route traffic to the north side of the highway, providing crews with a safe work space as they begin building the south end of the pedestrian/bicycle tunnel under SR 14.

Reducing the speed of traffic on the temporary roadway helps protect the safety of work crews and the traveling public during this detour phase.

The SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel is part of the Downtown Washougal Revitalization Plan, which strives to create a pedestrian-friendly city atmosphere through sustainable and cost-effective design. The project will improve public health, safety, and quality of life by creating a safe and friendly connection between the newly reconstructed downtown area and the Columbia River waterfront.

For more information about the SR 14 Pedestrian Tunnel project, please visit the project Web page at:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Local/sr-14-pedestrian-tunnel-285276-te.htm

For weekly updates on this and all other traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction. 

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WSDOT's mission is to keep 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 511.

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