Slope stabilization project almost ready

The Washington Department of Transportation is still working on the final easements to stabilize a slope just east of Stella at Milepost 50.9 on SR 4.

The site has had single lane traffic regulated by a stoplight since the unstable slope was discovered in December.

DOT engineer Denys Tak said Tuesday that his office hopes to resolve the easement issues soon; they have put the contracts to do the work out to bid and hope to have a contract ready to sign in early March.

Crews have installed temporary fencing and a portable traffic signal at the site. The temporary setup will remain until work to stabilize the slope is complete.