Date:  Monday, October 05, 2009

Contact: Chris Tams, Columbia Gorge Area Engineer, 866-279-0730 toll-free (Vancouver)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2058 (Vancouver)

Crews enhance nearly 12 miles of highway in Klickitat County

GOLDENDALE – Drivers on US 97 near Goldendale and Satus Pass will enjoy a safer, smoother ride as the Washington State Department of Transportation wraps up another stimulus-funded preservation project. 

Construction began on the $3.8 million US 97 – Centerville Rd. to Bickleton Rd. and Satus Pass paving project in July and was complete late last week. The project paved nearly 12 miles of US 97 between Goldendale and the Satus Creek bridge (mile posts 7.49 to 30.81).

Paving projects like the one on US 97 enhance motorist safety and drivability by providing a smoother road surface. New pavement requires less maintenance, which reduces costs and traffic impacts associated with continued repairs.

US 97 is a major freight route and an essential link between central and southwest Washington. US 97 Satus Pass carries an average of 3,900 vehicles per day.

For more information on the US 97 – Centerville Rd. to Bickelton Rd. and Satus Pass paving project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/PavementRehab/US97CentervilleToBickleton/.

Washington State is administering the Recovery Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire has created a new website, 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 state’s recovery efforts and root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t wasted.

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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 5-1-1.

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