Project overview
The purpose of this project is to remove rock from the slopes along SR 17 between Soap Lake and Lake Lenore, just north of Lake Lenore Caves Road, as well as to install slope protection and stabilization measures to prevent future rockfall. Work will occur on eight slopes along SR 17.
This project is necessary to ensure that this section of the highway remains clear of rockfall, which poses a danger to drivers and which could damage the roadway.
What to expect
During the project, the public should expect regular traffic control along SR 17, from Monday through Friday, starting at 8 a.m. and until 5 p.m.
Beginning mid-March 2024, traffic control will change to 20 minute all stops followed by single lane, alternating traffic, then back to 20-minute all-stops, from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. Traffic will be open in both directions during non-working hours. In addition, there will be a maximum of four full-highway closures of up to eight hours each. These closures have not been scheduled yet and their dates will depend on the progress of the work. They will occur either on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. A Monday closure will only be allowed if it's followed by consecutive closures from Tuesday through Thursday.
The SR 17 Unstable Slopes project will remove loose materials from eight separate slopes between Soap Lake and Coulee City.