Date:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Contact:
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications Manager, (509) 728-4712
Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer, (509) 577-1810
NEWS RELEASE
US 12 overnight closures for blasting west of Naches postponed until next week
NACHES – The closure planned for blasting on US 12, ten miles west of Naches, that was scheduled for Nov. 12, has been postponed until next week. Explosive experts working for Scarsella Bros. Construction determined that more slope preparation is needed before blasting can safely take place.
Road closures for blasting are scheduled for Thursday and Monday nights, Nov. 19, and 23, from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next day. These closure hours were chosen to have minimal traffic impacts. Closures may be shorter than the allotted time. There is a good chance that the Nov. 19 closure will be considerably shorter than planned.
"The overnight closure for blasting activities, although inconvenient for travelers, will allow crews to safely bring down the rock and clear it from the highway. The closure zone will keep traffic at a safe distance," said Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer.
Westbound traffic: During the designated closure hours, all westbound through traffic will be required to turn around or wait at the Oak Creek Elk Feeding Station. Local and recreational westbound traffic can drive as far as Windy Point campground.
Eastbound traffic: During the designated closure hours, all eastbound through traffic will be required to turn around or wait at the White Pass summit. Local and recreational eastbound traffic can drive as far as Rimrock Retreat.
Special arrangements have been made for emergency service vehicles.
Alternate routes:
I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and US 97 Satus Pass to I-84 in Oregon are the recommended alternate routes.
SR 123 Cayuse Pass and SR 410 Chinook Pass have been closed for the season due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.
As part of the Tieton Bridges replacement project, WSDOT's contractor is building two new bridges across the Tieton River. The new bridges will be wider and safer, providing more recovery room for motorists. Blasting existing rock faces will reduce the risk of rocks falling onto the roadway.
For additional project information visit our Website at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US12/TietonRiverBridge/default.htm
For information on mountain pass conditions call 511 or visit:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
Helpful tips on winter weather driving can be found at:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/
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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 wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ or by dialing 511 on your telephone.
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