I-5 - SR 161/SR 18 Triangle Improvements

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2005

Project Title & Location
I-5/SR 161 I/C & SR 18 I/C (Triangle)

Project Description
The I-5/SR 161/SR 18 Interchange Improvement project (Triangle Project Phase 1) includes replacing a cloverleaf loop ramp with a flyover ramp for WB SR 18 to SB I-5 traffic and provide a new WB SR 18 connection to SR 161. The I-5/SR 18 cloverleaf interchange is defined as a High Accident Location. Eliminating one of the loop ramps will eliminate the weave on WB SR 18 and SB I-5. These improvements will improve traffic flow and safety.

Contractor/Consultant
Consultant Berger/Abam

Recent Progress

- Reviewed first draft of environmental discipline reports

- Completed most of the traffic analysis

- Negotiated scope of services for supplement #5 tasking consultant to complete wetland and stream mitigation reports, storm water reports, bridge and wall site data, staging plans, and design documentation files.  We plan on issuing a notice to proceed in January 2006.

- Started work on access point decision report (APDR)

- Completed hydraulic modeling and draft #1 of hydraulics report

Design Construction Impacts

Need to secure key right of way for new offramp to S. 356th St.  Negotiations are underway and we anticipate acquisition in January 2006.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

Environmental impacts identified by preliminary discipline reports are minimal.  We are considering switching NEPA classification from an Environmental Assessment (EA) to a Documented Categorical Exclusions (DCE).

Impacts to Traffic

The consultant will develop a staging plan to minimize traffic impacts during construction.  We also plan on organizing a Value Engineering (VE) study to examine ways to reduce traffic impacts during construction.
Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Selection of preferred alternative Feb 05 Feb 05  
Design hearing Oct 06    If NEPA classification is switched to a DCE we could hold a public open house as early as April 2006
FONSI Feb 07   If NEPA classification is switched to a DCE no FONSI issued and environmental documentation completed May 06.
APDR Feb 07 If NEPA DCE could be accelerated to Oct 06
Advance R/W acquisition Jan 06
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions 		Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering $11.0m 10.0%
Right-of-Way $8.0m 7.2%
Construction $91.3m 82.8%
Funded Project Costs $110.3m 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

 $3.0 m 2.7%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

 $100.0m 90.7%

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects

Bruce Nebbitt, WSDOT Project Engineer @ (206) 464-1363 or E-mail: NebbiEB@wsdot.wa.gov