Date:
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Contact:
Joy Carpine, WSDOT Communications (206) 464-1186 (Seattle) or (206) 491-6974 (cell)
Colleen Gants, WSDOT Communications (425) 456-8555 (Bellevue) or (206) 465-2311 (cell)
Relief is in sight for drivers in Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent and Auburn. This summer, WSDOT begins construction on projects that will be the first step in addressing some of the state’s most congested freeways. These improvements will improve speeds, reduce collision rates and make your trip more reliable between Sea-Tac Airport, Renton and Auburn.
Last week, WSDOT announced construction contracts on three major projects in south King County: the I-405, Renton I-5 to SR 169 Stage I Widening, SR 518-Sea-Tac Airport to I-5/I-405 Interchange Project and SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project. These projects represent more than $125 million in construction and 17.5 miles of highway improvements that have far-reaching traffic benefits.
“I-405, SR 167 and SR 518 are important transportation corridors with hours of congestion each day. WSDOT is delivering a significant investment in the south end,” said Craig Stone, deputy administrator for WSDOT’s Urban Corridors Office. “This will mean a faster trip to the airport, a better commute and more predictable driving times in and around the south end.”
Project details:
I-405 - Renton I-5 to SR 169 Stage I Widening
Bilfinger/Tri-State Joint Venture submitted an apparent best value proposal of $91.5 million to construct WSDOT’s I-405/I-5 to SR 169 Stage 1 Widening Project funded by the 2003 Nickel Funding Package and 2005 Transportation Partnership Account . WSDOT will add one northbound and one southbound lane to I-405 between I-5 and SR 167. Crews will also construct an additional southbound lane on SR 167 between I-405 and S. 180th Street and other improvements to accommodate the SR 167 HOT lanes. WSDOT and the design build contractor, Bilfinger/Tri-State Joint Venture will execute the contract in the next couple of weeks.
Motorists can expect pre-construction activities to begin in the next couple of weeks and full construction by late summer. The new lanes will be open to drivers in 2010.
For more information, visit the project Web site www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/I5toSR169/
SR 518 - SeaTac Airport to I-5/I-405 Interchange
Tri-State Construction is the apparent low bidder for the SR 518 Sea-Tac Airport to I-5/I-405 Interchange Project with a construction contract bid of $26.6 million. The project improves mobility and safety and accommodates projected airport traffic by adding a third eastbound lane on SR 518 between the North Airport Expressway and the I-5/I-405 Interchange. Crews will also add a left-hand turn lane, update signs, enhance landscaping and improve the exit ramp from southbound SR 509 to SR 518. These improvements are funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Account, in cooperation with the Port of Seattle.
Construction begins this August. SR 518 improvements will open to drivers in the fall of 2009.
For more information, visit the project Web site www.wsdot.wa.go/Projects/SR518/SeaTac_I5_I405
SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project
WSDOT awarded a contract to Signal Electric, Inc. of Kent for a competitive bid of $7.1 million to build the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project, which will convert nine miles of SR 167 high occupancy vehicle lanes to high occupancy toll lanes between Renton and Auburn. The SR 167 HOT Lane Pilot Project will allow solo drivers to pay a toll to use the HOV lanes when there is space available. This pilot project is funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Account.
Construction begins in mid-July. The HOT lanes will open to traffic in the spring of 2008.
For more information, visit the project Web site www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR167/HOTLanes
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