Work begins on SR 4 upgrade project

Construction on a 28-mile stretch of SR 4 through Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties began this week as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) began work on another stimulus funded project.

The SR 4 - Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road - Paving and Guardrail Upgrade project will enhance motorist safety along SR 4 by upgrading guardrail and cable barrier and retrofitting bridges with improved railings. SR 4 will also be paved, preserving the life of the roadway and providing motorists with a safer, smoother ride.

The $6.5 million construction contract for this project was awarded earlier this month to Lakeside Industries Inc, of Longview. The project combines state funding with more than $900,000 in local funds and $200,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds provided by Wahkiakum County.

During the project, drivers will encounter daytime single lane closures on SR 4 between Skamokawa and Coal Creek Road (Mile post 27.5 to 55.0). These lane closures are necessary to allow contractor crews to install signs and temporary fencing and to mobilize construction equipment into the area.

Throughout the course of this project, daytime single lane closures will continue in order for crews to resurface the roadway, retrofit and install new guardrail and restripe the pavement. In addition, crews will replace a damaged culvert pipe that crosses the highway just east of Stella Road (mile post 51.5). A continuous single lane closure will be implemented for up to two weeks to allow crews to safely repair river embankment near the roadway east of County Line Park (mile post 42.3)

WSDOT is also partnering with Wahkiakum County to pave West Little Island and Beaver Creek roads in the project vicinity. Paving these two roads will repair ruts and cracks in the pavement, preserve the roadway and improve safety for drivers.

The projects is scheduled for completion in October. For more information, go to http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR4/SkamokawaCoalCreek/.