What is the I-5 Fort Lewis/McChord Transportation Analysis?
This study, officially known as the Ft. Lewis and McChord Air Force Base Growth Coordination Plan Transportation Alternatives Analysis and Operational Traffic Model, is a technical study that will assess the impacts to I-5, between Mounts Road and SR 512, resulting from the growth of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. This growth is due to the U.S. Department of Defense's plans to consolidate the two bases as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Joint Basing Plan authorized by Congress in 2005.
The study is a part of a larger planning effort funded by a grant from the Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment, which examines a wide range of community issues resulting from military growth.
The process for this transportation analysis includes gathering input from local officials and the public; collecting and analyzing traffic and other data; reviewing existing local comprehensive plans; projecting future travel demand; updating and refining traffic demand models for the study area; and evaluating improvement options.
Who is conducting this study?
WSDOT, the city of Lakewood and the Transpo Group (a consultant contracted by the city of Lakewood) are working together to determine what improvements will be needed to meet existing and future transportation needs on the I-5 corridor due to the base growth and eventual consolidation.
Why is WSDOT
involved with this study?
WSDOT is responsible for I-5 in Washington state and is interested in decisions that affect the corridor. Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base are scheduled to operate jointly in 2010. During the weekday 146,200 vehicles travel I-5 through the city of Lakewood. The base facility merger will likely place more demands on this highly traveled section of freeway. The study will provide a transportation plan that addresses this anticipated growth.
The End Result
When complete the study will include a list of recommended safety, congestion and transportation improvement projects for I-5 through the study area that could be built over the next 20 years as funding becomes available. This list of projects may be incorporated into the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Plan (Destination 2030) and the Washington Transportation Plan.
Project Benefits
The study will provide a plan for transportation improvements that will enable WSDOT, the U.S. Department of Defense, the city of Lakewood and other communities that could be impacted by the base merger to prepare for this impending growth.
What is the project timeline?
The study began in April 2009 and is expected to be complete in June 2010.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
• United States Department of Defense - $450,000
• State Funds - $50,000
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $500,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Richard Warren
urbanplanning@wsdot.wa.gov
WSDOT Urban Planning Office
401 2nd Avenue South, Ste 300
Seattle WA 98104
Phone: 206-464-1262
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