The only difference between adventure and disaster is preparedness.

Monday, May 23, 2011

SR4 Rockfall Work Continues

Reposted from Washington State Dept. of Transportation:


Work on SR 4 rockfall fence continues into June

STELLA – Stopping a 10-ton boulder isn’t always as easy as it sounds. That’s what road crews discovered when they found loose soil where they expected solid rock to anchor a replacement rockfall fence that will protect motorists on State Route 4 near Stella.

They’re working through the obstacle, but it’s delaying the project. As the work continues into June, drivers will encounter intermittent single lane closures and up to 20-minute delays on SR 4. Crews will limit lane closures to hazardous periods to keep drivers and themselves safe and traffic moving.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) originally expected the work to be complete by late April, but crews ran into loose soil and fractured rock while drilling to install rock bolts and anchors to support the rockfall fence.

The fence must be anchored in solid rock to be strong enough to protect people on the highway from falling boulders that can weigh several tons or more.

Drivers can stay up to date by visiting WSDOT’s Travel Alerts Web page and by calling 5-1-1 or 1-800-695-ROAD.

No comments: