A Weekly Summary of WSDOT News and Activities
October 13, 2008 Weekly Report - Time 5:00 (mp3)
Project of the Week - Des Moines Creek Basin restoration a model for working together to preserve the environment
The new SR 509 (Marine View Drive) bridge and pedestrian trail below. The trail provides a link from the shores of Puget Sound to the Sea-Tac Airport vicinity. |
Sometimes a little teamwork can move mountains -- or a creek, in this case. WSDOT, along with five other cities and agencies, this week celebrated the completion of the Des Moines Creek Basin restoration. The restoration is a series of five environmental preservation projects that restore salmon habitat, improve trails for biking and hiking and provide necessary storm water drainage.
More than eight years in the making, the Des Moines Creek Basin Plan is unique among storm water detention projects because it brings together six planning and funding entities - King County, the Port of Seattle, the cities of Des Moines and SeaTac, the Midway Sewer District and WSDOT - for environmental improvements that benefit the entire community and anyone who travels on SR 509.
At a total cost of $20 million, the plan's five projects were designed to protect and restore Des Moines Creek, which flows from the south end of Sea-Tac International Airport through the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines and into Puget Sound. The storm water detention work clears the way for WSDOT to begin making vital improvements on SR 509 that ease congestion for freight, air travel passengers and commuters. It also allows the airport to build a new south terminal and clears the way for planned economic development in Des Moines and SeaTac.
The work included major environmental and fish habitat improvements on Des Moines Creek, as well as a new Marine View Bridge and a trail that passes beneath it from the shore of Puget Sound to Sea-Tac Airport. The plan's projects have received national recognition for environmental stewardship. Together they provide a template for future watershed restoration efforts.
"This project shows what can be accomplished when agencies and citizens work together," said WSDOT's Deputy Secretary David Dye. "We were able to turn a highway project mitigation into a beautiful and functional asset for an entire community."
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Maintenance & Operations feature - Be prepared for winter driving
Snow has begun falling on Washington's high-elevation highways. WSDOT urges motorists to be prepared. |
Get your vehicle ready and plan more time to get to your destination. Those are just some of the tips available on the WSDOT Winter Weather Web site and in the 2008 WSDOT Winter Driving brochure.
Les Schwab tire stores will help us distribute the Winter Driving brochure. Close to 10,000 copies will be arriving later this month at your local Les Schwab store. For now, you can download a copy to talk to your kids, spouse, friends or anyone else you think may need a refresher. If you need a paper copy, send an e-mail to fimana@wsdot.wa.gov .
This month marks the start of all kinds of winter weather. Any day could bring strong winds, poor visibility, ice, and snow on the roadway. Wherever winter weather hits, WSDOT’s fleet of plows, graders and snow blowers will be working on the roadway. Snow hit Oct. 8, at 4,000 feet and Stevens Pass received about three inches. WSDOT officials advise drivers to plan extra time to cross all mountain passes, including heavily-traveled routes such as I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 2 Stevens Pass, and US 12 White Pass.
And, it’s time for everyone to think about carrying chains. Washington law requires commercial vehicles and combinations of vehicles more than 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to carry sufficient tire chains between Nov. 1 and April 1. This includes some larger passenger trucks, SUVs, recreational vehicles and trucks hauling trailers. WSP troopers will strictly enforce the Nov. 1 deadline. Failing to carry chains will cost heavy-truck drivers $155.
You can get mountain pass traction and chain requirements on highway advisory signs and highway advisory radio. WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio. When those advisories call for chains, drivers who don’t chain up will face a $500 penalty.
WSDOT also reminds drivers studded tires are only legal for use between Nov. 1 and April 1. Motorists are encouraged to visit their tire dealers for chains and find out about tires that provide traction and are legal for use year-round.
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Update of projects under way
I-90 Ryegrass Summit - Crews closed both I-90 rest areas at the top of Ryegrass Summit for water system repairs. WSDOT constructed a new water booster station to provide the water needed for washing and drinking. These two rest areas located on I-90, ten miles west of Vantage, have had chronic water shortage problems in recent years causing frequent closures and leaving motorists to use portable toilets with no potable water. Temporary closures will be needed again later this month to complete the new water system.
I-405 Renton - Crews in Renton began demolishing the northbound portion of the old I-405 bridge over Oakesdale Avenue SW to make way for new lanes. In August, crews shifted southbound I-405 traffic onto the new bridge. Crews have already begun building the piers for the new northbound portion of the bridge and expect to complete the demolition of the old structure the week of Oct. 6. Next year crews will begin demolition and construction of the remaining portion of the bridge. Work is part of the I-405 – I-5 to SR 169 Stage 1 Widening project . The project will add a lane in each direction on I-405 between I-5 and SR 167 and a southbound lane on SR 167 between I-405 and SW 41st Street.
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Announcements
WSDOT awards Westbound Nalley Valley contract
A project that eliminates one of Pierce County’s worst bottlenecks by rebuilding the westbound section of the SR 16 Nalley Valley viaduct moved a step closer to reality. On Oct. 6 WSDOT awarded a construction contract to Guy F. Atkinson Construction, a Renton-based company that submitted the lowest bid of $119.9 million. There were five other bidders.
Moving from I-5 to westbound SR 16 is often a frustrating experience during the peak commute hours. Drivers from northbound and southbound I-5 jockey for position as they merge onto SR 16 or exit at Sprague Avenue. These conflicts lead to slowdowns, backups and the potential for collisions. Two new bridges – one for northbound I-5 traffic entering SR 16 and one for southbound I-5 traffic entering SR 16 – eliminate the weaving conflict. In addition, each bridge has its own off-ramp to Sprague Avenue. WSDOT is looking forward to getting this highly-anticipated congestion-relief and safety project under construction late this year or early next year.
Federal agency gives I-90 Snoqualmie Pass Widening Project green light for construction
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has signed an Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision (ROD) giving WSDOT's long-awaited I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project the green light to move forward with construction in the spring. The ROD officially selects WSDOT’s Preferred Alternative as shown in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, as the best alternative to improve safety, resolve traffic congestion issues, reduce pass closures due to avalanche control, stabilize rock slopes, straighten sharp curves, restore fish and wildlife connections, and minimize environmental impacts on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass.
The WSDOT I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project will improve I-90 by providing a safer, more efficient six-lane freeway from Hyak to Easton. The project will straighten roadway curves, replace old pavement, and reduce rock fall and avalanche hazards. WSDOT will also construct wildlife crossings over and under I-90 for the safe movement of wildlife and enhance wetlands and habitats throughout the corridor. Construction is scheduled to begin on the first five miles of the project in 2009. The next step for the I-90 Project is to finish design of the first phase and move into construction in the spring.
Seattle/Bremerton route to be restored to two auto-ferry service on Friday, Oct. 10
WSDOT restored two auto-ferry service on the Seattle/Bremerton route with the first sailing on Friday, Oct. 10, when the 124-car Kitsap joined the 144-car Kaleetan on the route. The Seattle/Bremerton route has been served by the Kaleetan supplemented with passenger-only service since Oct. 7. Due to necessary vessel repairs on the 188-car Walla Walla, the Bremerton route’s other ferry, the 144-car Hyak, was re-routed to the Edmonds/Kingston route.
Crews worked quickly to complete scheduled maintenance and inspections on the 124-car Cathlamet, which has been out of service since late September. On Thursday night, the Cathlamet will return to the Mukilteo/Clinton route, freeing up the Kitsap to serve as the second auto ferry on the Seattle/Bremerton route. The Hyak will remain on the Edmonds/Kingston route with the 188-car Spokane.
This reduction in service was the result of the Walla Walla being removed from service on Monday for emergency repairs. WSDOT has no spare vessels because several vessels are out of service for regular winter maintenance and inspections. WSDOT determined that the repairs on the Walla Walla were confined to one end of the vessel, and estimates that the Walla Walla will be repaired and ready to return to service next week.
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Gray Notebook Highlight - Amtrak Cascades
Washington is one of 13 states to provide operating funds to Amtrak for intercity passenger service. Amtrak Cascades spans 466 miles of rail between Eugene, OR, and Vancouver, B.C., using five European-designed Talgo trains. The state-supported service continues to demonstrate record growth in ridership. With ridership at 137,694, the second quarter of 2008 had a 10 percent increase over the same period of 2007. High gasoline prices, especially at the start of the summer travel season, have contributed to strong demand. On comment cards, customers noted the great value in saving money and avoiding traffic. More details on this and other key topics can be found in the September 2008 Gray Notebook at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/accountability.
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October open houses, meetings and events
13, Monday, 6:30 - 9 p.m., Public meeting, Future of the Ferry System - Vashon Island: WSDOT's Ferries Division is holding a series of public meetings to discuss the long-range plan for the ferry system. Ferries Division staff will present information about funding challenges, operational strategies and route specific packages. Public comments will help shape the draft long-range plan due out mid-November. Location: McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose Room, 9329 SE Cemetary Road, Vashon Island.
14, Tuesday, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Public meeting, Future of the Ferry System - Mukilteo: WSDOT's Ferries Division is holding a series of public meetings to discuss the long-range plan for the ferry system. Ferries Division staff will present information about funding challenges, operational strategies and route specific packages. Public comments will help shape the draft long-range plan due out mid-November. Location: City Council Chambers, 4480 Chennault Beach Road, Mukilteo.
15, Wednesday, Noon - 2:00 p.m., Ribbon cutting, I-5, SR 502 Interchange - Battle Ground: WSDOT and community leaders will celebrate completion of the I-5, SR 502 Interchange. The new SR 502 connection will reduce travel times by shortening the route from Battle Ground and provide a more direct connection to I-5. Location: on the project site, near NE 219th Street and NE 10th Avenue.
15, Wednesday, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Public meeting, Future of the Ferry System - Anacortes: WSDOT's Ferries Division is holding a series of public meetings to discuss the long-range plan for the ferry system. Ferries Division staff will present information about funding challenges, operational strategies and route specific packages. Public comments will help shape the draft long-range plan due out mid-November. Location: Fidalgo Center, 1701 22nd Street, Anacortes.
16, Thursday, 6:30 - 9 p.m., Public meeting, Future of the Ferry System - Port Orchard: WSDOT's Ferries Division is holding a series of public meetings to discuss the long-range plan for the ferry system. Ferries Division staff will present information about funding challenges, operational strategies and route specific packages. Public comments will help shape the draft long-range plan due out mid-November. Location: John Sedgwick Junior High School, 8995 SE Sedgwick Road, Port Orchard.
For more details, please visit the WSDOT Calendar of Events.
Express Lane Archive
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