US 97A - South of Chelan - Tunnel Lining Stage 3

View entire map The tunnel is located at Mile Post 224 between Entiat and Chelan on US 97A in Chelan County. View entire detour The detour utilizing SR 971, the Navarre Coulee Road and South Lakeshore Drive, adds about 6 miles to the trip between Entiat and Chelan.   Click to view entire photo  During the week of March 20th, crews finished trimming the timber bents in preparation for the final Shotcrete shell lining application. Click to view entire photo  During the week of March 13th, crews began trimming the timber bents in preparation for the final Shotcrete tunnel liner application. Click to view entire photo Crews inject grout through those tubes in the concrete shell during the week of March 6th. Click to view entire photo  Epic crews built a concrete shell over the tunnel roof during the week of February 27th. Click to view entire photo  On February 21st, crews were still removing loose rock from behind the walls of the tunnel.  Later in the week, they filled that empty space with a form of concrete. View entire photo  The north entrance to the Knapps Hill Tunnel. View entire photo  South entrance. Stages one and two relined about 160 feet of the tunnel at both the north and south entrances.  Stages three and four will reline the remaining 300+ feet in the middle of the tunnel.  This project, Stage three, will reline about 140 feet beginning from the south, where stage one ended. Project Facts • The tunnel was first constructed in 1936. • This project will re-line approximately 140 feet of the southern half of the tunnel. • Stage 1 of the relining project was completed in 2000 and Stage 2, in 2003.  Stage 4 has not yet been scheduled or funded.

For April 3rd - April 16, 2006 (two weeks) Traffic impact: SR 971 is being used for a detour, adding 6 miles to the trip between Entiat and Chelan.  For those traveling between Wenatchee and Chelan, we recommend using US 97 in Douglas County. Work this week: Epic construction crews remained on schedule finishing the timber trimming, last week. This week crews are applying the final Shotcrete shell, Monday through Friday, followed by reinstallation of lighting and general cleanup. With no unexpected delays, the tunnel should be reopened the week of April 10th. School and Transit buses plan to resume normal schedules on Monday, April 10. Detour distances: US 97A Wenatchee-Chelan with no detour = 35 miles US 97A + SR 971 detour = 41 miles US 97 and SR 150 Wenatchee-Chelan = 38 miles (Distances figured from the junction of US 2 and US 97A at the west end of the Odabashian Bridge to the Woodin Avenue intersection of SR 150 and US 97A in downtown Chelan).  Read the News Release on the project and detour.

This structure preservation project will complete the third of four stages of the relining of the Knapps Hill tunnel.

Why is WSDOT Relining the Knapps Hill Tunnel?
The tunnel is an aging structure in need of refurbishing.  This project will increase the tunnel's seismic and load capacity and decrease maintenance costs.

The End Result
This project will place the Knapp's Hill tunnel restoration project one step closer to final completion.  When all stages are complete the timber bent system, which is currently used for structural support, will have been replaced with a cement concrete shell. 

Project Benefits

• Increases structural integrity

• Improves traveler safety

• reduces maintenance

This series of projects provides a much more durable structure which will increase the tunnel's structural strength and traveler safety.  Maintenance of the current timber bents will be relieved with the easily maintained cement concrete shell.

What is the project timeline?
The tunnel was closed Feb 6th and could be reopened as early as April 8th. (54 working days).  The deadline to have the tunnel open is before Wenatchee's Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, the first week of May.  Even emergency vehicles cannot use the tunnel as there is too much equipment and too many hazards inside.  Also, when the concrete work is underway, the tunnel must be maintained at a minimum 50 degree temperature that requires the heated sections to be sealed off.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have any questions or concerns about this project please contact the Project office.  

Due to the impact of closing the tunnel for an extended period, an extensive e-mail notification system is in place for emergency services, law enforcement, schools, transit, freight, business and tourist agencies.

Environmental Protection
All environmental laws and guidelines are being strictly followed. The following are the permits and/or project documentation required:

• BA - Biological Assessment.
• NEPA (CE) - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
• SEPA (CE) - State Environmental Policy Act of 1971.
• Temporary Erosion Control Plan. 
• Section 106 - Tribal Consultation.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
In addition to the safety benefits of the project itself, a detour to protect motorists during construction and a work zone safety plan for the crews on the site has been implemented.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
No impacts were identified.  WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in section 106 of The National Historical Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan. 

Financial Information

This project was advertised for private contractor bids on October 10th, 2005.  3 qualified bids were opened on November 10th.  Contract # 7049 was awarded to Epic Construction, LLC on November 14th for $519,530.00 - 4% under the engineering estimate. 

This project is funded through the following sources:

How can I get more information?
Contact:

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