•  2003 Project Highlights
•  Evaluation Criteria

I-90 - Eastgate Interchange Vicinity to Front Street, Paving and Intelligent Transportation Systems

King County

Design: Construction Management: Schedule: Cost: Engineers Estimate: $2,939,481 Contract Award Amount: $3,513,978 Estimated cost for completion: $3,393,882 The designer worked closely with the construction office to prepare plans. There were few change orders on this project. There was good communication between the contractor and WSDOT. Lessons learned include the need to rebuild bridge joints, have enough sweepers available when grinding asphalt, and to properly estimate bridge deck repair.

Portions of Interstate 90 between Bellevue and Issaquah, from the Eastgate Interchange to the Front Street Interchange, were improved. Crews ground off deteriorated pavement and repaved approximately two miles of I-90 and the freeway ramps at the Eastgate Interchange.  They resurfaced the Front Street Interchange and the westbound on-ramp, and repaved six I-90 bridges. They also installed a ramp meter at Eastgate, upgraded guardrail, added new signs and striping and made other safety improvements that bring the highway up to current interstate highway standards. Work will prolong the life of the roadway by removing ruts and bumps, and improve traffic flow by installing a ramp meter.

Construction Summary

This project was challenging, as it required that work be done at night on a busy interstate freeway in order to minimize impacts and keep traffic moving. The project used new "Superpave" asphalt, which performs better and lasts longer than older types of pavement mixes. For efficiency purposes, WSDOT attempted to save the bridge joints rather than grind and rebuild them. Unfortunately, this left a bump in the roadway and elicited complaints from drivers. In addition, the amount of asphalt grinding overwhelmed the sweeping operation, which left gravel on the roadway. Finally, designers underestimated the amount of bridge deck repair and the project was delayed while additional materials were procured.

The contractor, Lakeside Industries, used innovative traffic control procedures that saved time so more work could be completed during each work shift. Signs and public relations were used to notify the public of construction. The project was completed on time and within budget. Teamwork between WSDOT and contractor Lakeside Industries was generally good.

Contractor:
Lakeside Industries

WSDOT Contact:
Jay La Vassar
Phone: 425-956-2114
E-mail: lavassj@wsdot.wa.gov

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