Date:  Monday, November 16, 2009

Contact: Colin Newell, Chehalis Area Engineer, (866) 713-2412 toll-free (Chehalis)
Abbi Russell, WSDOT Communications, (360) 690-5367 (Vancouver)

WSDOT’s contractor will return next spring to complete weather-dependent work

CHEHALIS – As rain began to fall this autumn, WSDOT’s contractor, Lakeside Industries, Inc., wrapped up work on the stimulus-funded I-5 paving project in Lewis County. A few weather-dependent items of work still need to be completed, and Lakeside Industries will return in the spring to complete the project.

The I-5, Koontz Road to Harrison Avenue paving project received $3.58 million in stimulus funds that WSDOT added to an existing $5 million paving project. The stimulus funds allowed WSDOT to expand the scope of the project by five miles and construct it earlier than anticipated.

Through this project, crews paved nearly eight miles of interstate, enhancing 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.

In late spring 2010, contractor crews will return to install new expansion joints on I-5 at the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge (mile post 77.14) and the Dillenbaugh Creek Bridge (mile post 77.84). Crews will also perform grinding work to level out some areas of uneven pavement on I-5. Drivers can expect single lane closures on the interstate during this work.

For more project information, please visit the project Web page at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/pavementrehab/i5chamberwaytoharrison/.

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 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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