Update for December 20, 2007
Debco Construction is continuing to work on their alternate wall proposal. Progress was set back a bit because their geotechnical consultant was temporarily diverted to flood damage work in Washington State.
Regarding road closures, I’ve received a great deal of input on the Plan A road closure schedule. This is the schedule that will be implemented if the alternate retaining wall proposal is approved. I have a few details to work out with Debco Construction, but essentially the schedule will allow Debco to close the road from approximately 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. It will include a provision for some mid-day openings. The exact days of the week and the timing of the mid-day openings are not certain at this time. I realize it would greatly benefit the upriver residents to have mid-day openings every day, but for each mid-day opening, the contractor loses about 2 hours of productive time. Over the course of this project, that can translate into additional weeks or months. It also increases the contractor’s cost to perform work. Since the awarded contract allowed Debco to close the road from Monday through Friday (with shuttle provisions but no mid-day openings), Debco must be given consideration (time and/or money) if any change to that schedule increases their cost. So we’re working hard to develop a schedule that accommodates needs, without extending the project duration or driving up cost.
There will be no construction activity on the road until January 2. If everything is in order (emergency response plan, etc.) and the road closures details are worked out, daily closures might begin on January 3. I’ll provide another update toward the end of next week.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Jane Traffalis
Construction Project Manager
Western Federal Lands Highway Division
Federal Highway Administration
If you would like to provide a comment, click here: salmonriver@mail.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov