Date:  Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Contact: Allen Hendy, WSDOT Project Manager, (360)-905-1522 (Vancouver)
Heidi Sause, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2057 (Vancouver)

Second tier stimulus project moves forward to construction

KELSO - The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) this week awarded the last of four Recovery Act projects to pave I-5 in Cowlitz County. Lakeside Industries, Inc. of Longview, Wash. was awarded the $4.57 million construction contract and will pave approximately 17 miles of I-5 between Todd Road and the Kelso Weigh Station (mile posts 26.5 to 43.8) this summer.

The I-5 – Todd Road to Kelso Weigh Station paving project is funded through federal, state and local funding sources and received $2.34 million in 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. WSDOT is delivering this second tier stimulus project following lower-than expected bids on initial Recovery Act funded highway projects in Washington State.

Through this project, crews will resurface the interstate and improve guardrail, striping and signage between the Kalama and Kelso vicinities. Restoring this section of I-5 will preserve the road’s surface, reduce maintenance costs and improve safety and mobility for all drivers. This section of I-5 in Cowlitz County carries an average of 52,000 vehicles per day.

Construction is expected to begin in May. The entire project is scheduled to be complete by the end of October.

For more information, please visit the project Web page at:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/KalamaRiverToSR432/.

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 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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