|
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
WSDOT hosted a roundabout test drive event on July 11th in the Valley Mall parking lot. Local drivers of cars, trucks, buses, and even motorcycles were able to give the full-scale two-lane roundabout a try.
WSDOT presented a project update to the City of Union Gap mayor and city council along with local legislators Mary Skinner, Charles Ross, and Jim Clements. Another meeting is scheduled for September 17th to discuss the cost estimate.
Preliminary cut and fill lines have been established using the roundabout design concept in order to proceed on schedule with right of way plans and environmental documentation.
|
|
Design Construction Impacts
Early comments from resource agencies center on 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.
To improve Level of Service (LOS) a loop ramp for the westbound on-ramp was added to the roundabout alternative. This addition required the design team to evaluate the replacement of the I-82 mainline bridges for vertical clearance. Preliminary results of this evaluation show the need to adjust the I-82 profile. Although these additions will increase the cost of the roundabout alternative the total project cost is within budget at this time.
|
|
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.
|