Project Title & Location
I-82 - Valley Mall Boulevard Interchange - Rebuild Interchange

Project Description
This project improves connections to the interstate and encourages economic growth and development for both Union Gap and Yakima. The interchange reconfiguration will provide increased motorist safety, additional capacity, and help free up movement on and off the interstate to connect smoothly with the expanding local road system.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded.

Recent Progress

The traffic analysis and Interchange Justification Report (IJR) is under way.  Initial meetings have been held with local agencies, resource agencies and interested groups to discuss environmental issues and opportunities. From the comments received at these meetings we have started to outline the necessary environmental reports.  David Evans and Associates has been retained to assist in the Environmental Documentation.

A Value Engineering (VE) Study for the project was completed in December 2006.   The VE recommendation is currently being evaluated.  A Cost Risk Assessment (CRA) will follow in late February 2007. 

Design Construction Impacts

Early comments from resource agencies center around impacting the floodplain and fully allowing possible future flood waters to flow through the new interchange.  This risk cannot be quantified until the discipline reports and consultations with resource agencies are complete.

Recent nationwide price escalation for work and material and inflation has increased the overall cost of this project by approximately $2.3 million over the $30.1 million budgeted.  This new cost has been submitted to the Governor's Office.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The environmental process is just beginning. Wetland impacts are possible.

Impacts to Traffic
Occasional one lane closures and minor detours are anticipated.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account