Date:  Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Contact: Denys Tak, Kelso Area Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (toll-free in Kelso)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, 360-601-1760 (Vancouver)

Preservation work enhances nearly 14 miles of I-5 in Cowlitz County

KELSO – Thanks to the 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act, drivers traveling I-5 are now enjoying a smoother, safer drive on nearly 14 miles of interstate between north Kelso and Castle Rock. WSDOT’s contractor, Granite Northwest, Inc. of Camas, wrapped up the $15 million project earlier this week.

Long-term shoulder closures will remain on northbound I-5 between Headquarters Road and Powell Road vicinities (mile posts 44 to 49) in preparation for a future paving and safety project, which is scheduled to begin in January.

Construction on the I-5, North Kelso to Castle Rock concrete rehabilitation project began in June. The project repaired or replaced approximately 180 damaged concrete panels on the interstate and paved the northbound lanes of I-5 between Ostrander Creek and the Toutle River Bridge vicinity (mile posts 43.81 to 50.94).

Many of the concrete panels on this section of I-5 were more than 40 years old and in need of replacement. Crews worked night and day this summer, grinding out existing pavement, removing damaged concrete panels, laying down new asphalt and improving guardrail along the I-5 corridor.

On average, this stretch of I-5 carries approximately 52,000 vehicles per day. Paving and restoring I-5 preserves the interstate system, extends its life and keeps commuter and freight traffic moving.

For more information about the I-5 - North Kelso to Castle Rock - Stage 2 Concrete Rehabilitation project, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/pavementrehab/i5nkelsotocastlerock/.

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 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/news or by dialing 5-1-1.

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