Project Facts
- Skagit County's population has grown by more than 120 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s.
- On average, 70,000 vehicles per day use I-5 near the College Way Interchange (exit 227).
- Traffic volumes are expected to increase between 30 and 70 percent on I-5 by 2035, with the higher percentage increases between Kincaid Street and George Hopper Road Interchanges.
Overview
The I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan will analyze current and future traffic conditions on I-5 and make recommendations for improvements to the interstate, including interchanges and connected local roads from SR 534 in Conway (exit 221) to the Cook Road Interchange (exit 232) in Skagit County. The Plan will include a list of short- and long-term improvements to address safety problems and help relieve congestion through the year 2035. Improvements will be implemented as funding becomes available.
We have researched and analyzed I-5 through Skagit County, from Conway to Cook Road. As I-5 drivers can already confirm, we found many serious problems on the interstate that need funding and improvements. The improvements will be neither simple nor cheap. Simply adding lanes will not resolve the problems that exist.
Why is WSDOT
looking at ways to improve I-5, including interchanges, and connected local roads in Skagit County?
• There were 463 crashes on I-5 lanes and ramps from 2003 to 2005: I-5, including interchanges and the connected local roads, needs to be modified in order to increase safety and help relieve congestion, especially with the growth anticipated in this area of Skagit County.
• 17 of 30 interchange ramps are too short or the curves are too sharp: The I-5 mainline and some of the on- and off-ramps in Skagit County do not meet current state and federal design standards, which have changed since the interstate was first built more than 40 years ago. The on- and off-ramps are short, making it difficult for drivers to enter and exit I-5 safely.
• Congestion on local streets clogs interchanges and causes dangerous backups onto the interstate: The operation of I-5 and the on- and off-ramps are also impacted by traffic volume increases on local roads. Congestion on local streets connecting to the interstate are contributing to backups and delays on I-5 ramps and the mainline.
• Too many drivers use the interstate for short trips through town because there are not enough viable alternatives.
• The “rush hour” time periods are expected to grow longer and travel times are expected to more than double by 2035: Skagit County's population has grown by more than 120 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s. As a result, traffic volumes and congestion have increased, as has the potential for collisions with more drivers on the interstate.
Improvement recommendations
The following improvement recommendations will improve safety and help relieve congestion:
• Rebuild interchanges and lengthen ramps.
• Add new merge lanes between interchanges to help traffic get on and off the interstate.
• Reserve space in the median for transit, carpool, freight or toll lanes, and future infrastructure improvements for transit (e.g., direct access for transit and carpool).
• Improve the local street network to reduce the number of short trips on the interstate and enable better transit connectivity.
• Accommodate non-motorized transportation.
The End Result
The plan is the first step toward making further I-5 improvements. It will enable WSDOT, FHWA, local agencies and community members to:
• Prioritize the most urgent needs and improvements.
• Seek funding for further development, design, environmental review and implementation of improvements.
• Consider I-5 improvements when developing local land use and transportation plans.
• Create detailed implementation steps for sections of the I-5 corridor.
• Maintain a vision for long-range transportation planning in the region.
We recognize that needs may change over time depending on population growth, travel patterns, new technologies and local street improvements. Therefore, we will revisit the plan periodically so that we can respond to these changes and modify the list of improvements accordingly.
Project Benefits
- Safety: The Master Plan will identify improvements to I-5 and the on- and off-ramps from SR 534 to Cook Road. Improving this stretch of I-5 will enhance safety and truck mobility by providing more room for vehicles to gain speed or slow down when entering and exiting I-5.
- Congestion relief: The Master Plan will identify improvements that respond to growth and economic development in this area of Skagit County. Improving I-5 and the on- and off-ramps will allow this stretch of interstate to carry more people, freight and vehicles efficiently as the region continues to grow.
- Environment: While reconstructing on- and off-ramps, WSDOT upgrades culverts and ditches to help minimize erosion during large storms. WSDOT builds stormwater treatment facilities to filter contaminants out of highway stormwater.
What is the project timeline?
- November 16, 2006: Public open house held at Burlington High School.
- 2006 - 2007: Analyzed existing and future traffic conditions.
- 2007 - Working with local public agencies and the community to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
- May-June 2008 - Brief local agencies on findings and provide more detail about improvement options.
- June 24, 2008 - Community open house to gather input.
- August 2008 - Release report and gather feedback.
- 2010 - Begin construction on the I-5 - SR 11 Interchange and Josh Wilson Road Realignment improvement project and seek funding for other improvements identified in the Master Plan.
Public Involvement
We’ve collected input from local officials, community members, drivers and residents. We’ve held open houses, had traveling displays at local venues, attended city and county council meetings, held focus group meetings and worked with the local media to provide updates.
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please feel free to send us a comment using our online comment form or contact Tom Stacey to discuss your suggestions or questions. You may also check this Web site for regular project updates.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize the environmental effects from our projects. When funding is identified for project design, WSDOT will work to reduce any identified impacts to wetlands, creeks, wildlife, rivers, and other identified environmental resources in the project area. A detailed analysis of the project's environmental effects will also be completed when funding is identified. If necessary, an appropriate plan for mitigation for those effects will be developed and documented as part of the environmental documentation and environmental permitting processes.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
WSDOT will evaluate potential improvements based on their ability to enhance driver safety. WSDOT will then prioritize the improvements recommended in the final I-5 - Conway to Cook Interstate Master Plan that reduce the number of collisions at high accident locations (HALs).
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan .
WSDOT will work with the Swinomish, Lummi, Samish and Upper Skagit Tribes as the Master Plan is completed.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Manager, Tom Stacey
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5981
Email: StaceyT@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications, Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5997
Email: TerpeniD@wsdot.wa.gov
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