Bridge work set to begin over West Camas Slough

Camas — Construction on state Highway 14 will mean rough pavement, narrow lanes and single-lane closures at night on the West Camas Slough Bridge east of Vancouver starting Monday, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Crews will make safety improvements to the bridge, including a new median barrier, wider shoulders and upgraded bridge railings. Workers will also grind out old asphalt.

During that work, the bridge will be narrowed to two 11-foot lanes during the day. At night, workers will close one lane and flag traffic through. Delays are likely between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

Vehicles more than 10 feet wide will be restricted. Improvements on the bridge are expected to be finished next spring.

The work is part of a $50 million project that will also widen much of the highway and the Lady Island Bridge to four lanes. The West Camas Slough Bridge won’t be expanded to four lanes, but will be widened enough to install the median barrier along with the rest of the highway. The project stretches from the West Camas Slough Bridge to Sixth Street in Washougal.

The entire project is scheduled for completion in late 2012 or early 2013.