Columbia County Emergency Slide Repairs Project

Location: Rainer

Cost: $1.3 million

Completion: April 2023

Owner/Developer: Columbia County Public Works

Architect: Not applicable

Engineer: David Evans and Associates

General Contractor: Tapani

Submitting Company: Tapani

Subcontractors: Columbia River Contractors, Hatch Western, Hicks Striping and Curbing, Lakeside Industries

The Columbia County Emergency Slide Repairs Project in Rainier enhanced road safety and usability for commuters. Work was focused on Meissner Road at mile post 3.5, a segment plagued by more than two decades of continuous deterioration. The building team undertook the project with a commitment to efficiency and promptness, successfully completing the repairs within an accelerated time frame of two months.

Construction efforts involved the excavation and embankment of 4,100 cubic yards of the failed roadway, the placement of 5,230 cubic yards of stone embankment, meticulous reconstruction of the road subgrade and the application of new pavement. The project included more than 1 mile of markings and guardrails placed to further fortify the road infrastructure and enhance traffic management.

The project presented challenges because of the isolated location and narrow roads. Early pre-planning was vital to project success, as transportation of large equipment to the job site proved to be challenging, as was equipment access to the required areas of roadway repair given the steep terrain. Crews overcame the challenges by employing a benching method along the road alignment for equipment to sit on, which provided adequate access for the machines to place the stone embankment and rebuild the subgrade.

Material handling posed another obstacle throughout the project. Given the narrow work zone and temporarily decommissioned road, material movement required a seamless transfer plan from one machine to the other to maintain production and flow of work.

With open communication and early problem solving, Tapani, Columbia County and David Evans and Associates were able to work together to maintain a positive, safe and productive project site.

The result not only rectified the immediate slide concerns but implemented a resilient design that significantly reduced the likelihood of future failures, culminating with a road that not only meets current safety standards but is poised to withstand environmental challenges for decades.

The project’s positive impact extends beyond mere repair but offers enhanced safety conditions for the diverse user base of Meissner Road. From loggers transporting goods to various road users, the upgraded infrastructure ensures a secure and efficient travel experience.

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