Stimulus will drive job creation in I-82 construction zone

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Jobs and better pavement.

The federal government's economic stimulus efforts are bringing both to a worn stretch of Interstate 82 between Grandview and Granger.

The pavement-improvement project went to bid today, the first contract being administered by the state Department of Transportation to take that step so far in Yakima County.

The work will cost about $11.4 million and support an estimated 100 jobs, transportation officials said. The project is designed to strengthen the pavement in the westbound lanes of the Grandview-Granger section, which is known for its thumpy ride in spots.

The thumping sound is caused when vehicles rock the concrete panels that make up the roadway. Holes will be drilled in the road, and dowel bars will be inserted to stabilize the panels.

The technique has been used on other sections of state highways, including Interstate 82 between Yakima and Ellensburg. Crews will also improve the ride by replacing severely cracked panels and smoothing grooves blamed on studded tires.

The work will take about 14 weeks and is expected to start in roughly two months.

Transportation officials say the project would not have been possible without the federal funding. It was not considered a high-priority problem, but qualified for the money because it could be "shovel-ready" within 90 to 180 days, DOT spokesman Mike Westbay said.

• Granger to Grandview at a glance

What’s planned: 15 miles of upgrades to the westbound lanes of Interstate 82 between Granger and Grandview

Why: To improve roadway safety and preserve the highway

What’s already done: About 90 percent of the design work

What next: Seek bids and start construction this summer

How long will work last: about 14 weeks

Cost: 11.42 million

    * This project is fully funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

    * Prior to the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, funding for this deteriorated pavement section had not been identified. The ARRA stimulus funding allows WSDOT to address this important project now.

    * This project will rehabilitate approximately 15 miles of westbound I-82 to improve the driving surface and preserve the integrity of the roadway.

    * Design work is approximately 90% complete. Construction is scheduled for summer 2009.