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Project Title & Location
I-82 - Valley Mall Boulevard Interchange - Rebuild Interchange
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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.
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Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded.
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Recent Progress
A Value Engineering (VE) Study for the project was completed in December 2006. Reid-Middleton was retained to assist in evaluating the roundabout recommendation made by the VE study. Their draft report indicates the roundabouts as being a viable alternative. WSDOT will review the final report in order to make a preferred alternative choice.
A Cost Risk Assessment (CRA) which evaluated the flyover option and VE recommended roundabouts was completed in late February 2007. The CRA draft report indicates a high risk for schedule delays and increase cost associated with the flyover option.The final report is anticipated to be complete by April 2007.
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.
The Edler parcel purchase was complete in December 2006. The total acquisition cost was $4.1 million.
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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 construction materials cost escalation, and inflation has increased the overall cost of this project by approximately $2.3 million over the $30.1 million budgeted. This cost increase is included in the Governor's proposed 2007-09 transportation budget.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The environmental process is just beginning. Wetland impacts are possible.
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Impacts to Traffic
Occasional one lane closures and minor detours are anticipated.
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