Date:  Thursday, October 01, 2009

Contact: Dave Lindberg, WSDOT Project Engineer, 425-814-7104 (Redmond)
Meghan Soptich Pembroke, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4704 (Seattle)

MONROE – Drivers are enjoying smoother, safer pavement and bright new pavement markings on five miles of US 2 between Monroe and Sultan thanks to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Crews wrapped up the $2.1 million project this week, just in time for the rainy fall season.

“This was the first highway Recovery Act project to get under way in Snohomish County,” said Lorena Eng, WSDOT regional administrator. “Not only have we preserved a critical transportation route, but we’ve also put people to work in our local communities.”

Lakeside Industries crews working for WSDOT repaired parts of the highway, laid fresh asphalt, and upgraded the centerline and shoulder rumble strips. They also restriped the roadway with an innovative new type of striping, known as “pathfinder” striping. The striping is designed to be more reflective in adverse weather conditions and at night.

“The pathfinder striping is extremely durable and will provide better visibility on rainy nights,” said Dave Lindberg, WSDOT project engineer. “Drivers won’t notice much of a difference on an average day, but the striping will shine at night and in the rain. We’re looking forward to seeing how it performs this winter.”

The striping material has a unique texture and is very tough, so it remains reflective even after some snowplowing. The top of the striping is raised above the roadway surface to help shed water. Pathfinder striping has been installed in other states that frequently experience harsh winters. This is the first time it has been used on a WSDOT construction project.

Crews completed pavement repairs the first week of June and began grinding and repaving work in July. Drivers can expect some overnight closures to as crews complete minor final project work. For more information about the project and to view construction photos, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/us2/monroepaving.

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