Drivers traveling US 101 near Chinook and SR 103 on the Long Beach peninsula now have a smoother and safer driving surface, new pavement markings and ADA enhancements in Long Beach thanks in part to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Morse Bros., Inc., dba Knife River, today completed the $2.5 million US 101/SR 103 – Fort Columbia Vicinity to Long Beach Vicinity paving and chip seal project. The project received $690,000 in Recovery Act funding, which extended the length of the project allowing WSDOT to pave more of the highway needing a preservation overlay and to construct it earlier than planned.

“Preserving these scenic byways helps promote economic vitality on the Long Beach peninsula and protects these essential routes for years to come,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “This project supported jobs and preserved the highway running through downtown Long Beach.”

“This project helped get our people back to work,” said Earl Campbell, Project Manager for Knife River. “It kept them employed for a period of time, and used local sub-contractors and suppliers for asphalt, concrete and chip sealing materials.” Over thirty local flaggers were employed during construction and more than twenty employees from Knife River were employed through the length of the project.

Crews resurfaced and enhanced nearly 10 miles of roadway in Pacific County. The pavement on these sections of US 101 and SR 103 was deteriorating due to age and normal wear. Paving portions of US 101 and SR 103, and chip sealing SR 103 protects the existing pavement from further damage, rejuvenates the road surface, and extends the life of the roadway. More than 45 sidewalk ramps were brought up to federal ADA standards, allowing increased access and mobility for all users.

For more project information, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/PavementRehab/SR103_177StToBaySt/.

Washington State is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.

Contacts:
Denys Tak, WSDOT Project Engineer, (800) 545-1393 (Kelso) toll-free
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

CONSTRUCTION:

US 101 / SR 6 to Grays Harbor County Line (mileposts 58.49-67.18) – Paving
July 13-17: Daytime single lane closures will occur on US 101 for pavement repair operations. Sidewalk detours will be available during ADA ramp work.
Contractor crews will resurface nearly 10 miles of US 101 between SR 6 in Raymond and the Grays Harbor County line (mile posts 58.49 to 67.18) and bring ADA ramps in Raymond up to current standards. Temporary ADA facilities will be available throughout construction. Paving work will begin at the northern end of the project area and crews will work their way south. Paving operations in the city of Raymond begin in August, and drivers will be directed to use local detours as crews work through a series of closures on US 101. Commercial Street and Franklin Street in Raymond will remain open.

US 101 / SR 103 Fort Columbia Vic./Long Beach Vic. Paving and Chip Seal
July 13-17: Daytime single lane closures on SR 103 between Pioneer Road W and 255th Place (mileposts 2.53-10.77) for chip sealing work.
Contractor crews will use hot-mix asphalt to pave US 101 between the Astoria-Megler Bridge & Fort Columbia vicinity (mileposts 1.85 to 2.46) and recently completed a portion of SR 103 between 15th Street SE and 13th Street NE (milepost 0.80 to 1.99). Crews will chip seal SR 103 between Pioneer Road W and 255th Place (mileposts 2.53 to 10.77).  This project began construction on May 15, 2009 and is expected to be complete by late August.

MAINTENANCE:

SR 105, Both directions near the Rainbow Valley Land Fill vicinity (milepost 7)
July 16: Daytime traffic reduced to a single lane, alternating directions with flaggers on SR 105 for embankment repair operations.

US 101, Both directions between the SR 4 junction and South Bend city limit (mileposts 29-53)
July 13-16: Daytime shoulder closures with buffer truck on US 101 for roadside mowing operations.

US 101, Both directions between the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Mill Ranch Road (mileposts 0-28)
July 14-16: Daytime shoulder closures with buffer truck on US 101 for roadside mowing operations.

SR 4 / SR 401 – Roadside Safety Improvements
July 13-17: No traffic impacts are scheduled until August 15 because of wildlife nesting.
Contractor crews will make safety improvements on SR 401 in Cowlitz, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties by installing guardrails between US 101 and the SR 401 junction near Knappton. Crews will head north on SR 401 and continue safety improvements until the SR 4 junction in Naselle. Guardrail installation will continue on SR 4 between US 101 near Johnsons Landing in Pacific County and head east through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties, concluding at the SR 432 junction in Longview. Construction began May 13, 2009.