North End
South End
View entire map
Overview
This project replaced and widened a 50-year old section of I-5, the last original section of the interstate in Clark County.
In addition to improving capacity to meet present and future traffic demands, this project improved safety, especially at the NE 78th Street interchange. The widening on this stretch of I-5 helps reduce the most common type of accidents - striking fixed objects - by providing wider shoulder areas for vehicle recovery.
The project also improves pedestrian safety by linking the east and west sections of the Discovery Trail system and reducing the interaction between vehicles exiting the interstate and pedestrians. Substandard vertical bridge clearances were brought up to current design requirements as part of this project.
This project included:
- Widening a 2.3-mile section of I-5 (northbound and southbound) to three lanes with a fourth acceleration/deceleration lane added at Main Street and NE 78th Street.
- Replacing bridges at Main Street, NE 63rd Street, and NE 78th Street
- Replacing the Clark County railroad crossing just south of NE 63rd Street
- Rebuilding the existing interchange at NE 78th Street.
- Installing a traffic signal at Hazel Dell Avenue and Main Street.
- Adding sound walls.
- Adding a storm water detention pond near the Ellen Davis Trail.
- Connecting the east and west sides of the Discovery Trail by adding a pedestrian bridge and pedestrian tunnel.
 | Improves Safety
Wider lanes and shoulder areas help to reduce the potential for accidents along I-5. This project also improves pedestrian safety by linking the east and west sections of the Discovery Trail system.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
Widening this section of I-5 from 2 to 3 lanes, with a fourth acceleration/deceleration lane is helping to relieve congestion on this busy stretch of the interstate.
|
 | Protects Environment
During construction, several measures were taken to minimize environmental impacts. Two ponds were constructed to prevent pollutants from entering Burnt Bridge Creek near Leverich Park.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
WSDOT worked closely with the public to gather input, and later, provide information regarding traffic impacts during the construction of this project. Several public meetings were held. Throughout the process, WSDOT worked to keep the public informed, through the local media, the project website, the traveler information phone line (now 511), and through the travel advisory.
At WSDOT we seek 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.
Funding
This project was funded through the following fund sources:
- Transportation 2003 Account(Nickel Funding) - $34 Million
Other Agency Funds - $1.4 Million-These funds were provided by the Legislature to construct a noise wall not included in the original design.
Total Funding Available from all sources -$35.4 Million
Contact Us
Area Engineer Leon Winger
WSDOT Vancouver Area Office
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-1500
E-mail: swVanc@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top