Date:  Thursday, December 17, 2009

Contact: Paul Gonseth, WSDOT Project Engineer, (509) 577-1810
Summer Derrey, WSDOT Communications, (509) 577-1943

NACHES – WSDOT and Scarsella Bros. Construction will close US 12, from 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17, until 6 a.m., Friday, Dec. 18, to blast a rock outcropping adjacent to the highway (15 miles west of Naches). These closure hours were chosen to have minimal traffic impacts. A few additional overnight closures may be necessary on Monday or Thursday nights in January.

"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 (milepost 183). Local and recreational westbound traffic can drive as far as Windy Point campground (milepost 177).

Eastbound traffic: Due to potential severe weather conditions, during the designated closure hours, all eastbound local, recreational, and through traffic will be required to turn around or wait at Rimrock Retreat (milepost 173).

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.

Drivers travelling these routes should prepare for winter driving conditions: allow more travel time and carry chains. On ice and snow - take it slow.

SR 123 Cayuse Pass and SR 410 Chinook Pass have been closed for the season due to heavy snow and avalanche danger.

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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