I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Keechelus Dam

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2006

Project Title & Location
I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Keechelus Dam

Project Description
This project will improve I-90 to provide a safer, more efficient six-lane freeway from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. This project is the first of several projects that will address concerns along I-90 from Hyak to Easton. Tunnels and/or mitigation measures will minimize avalanche closures and hazards due to rockfall. Aging pavement will be replaced to provide a smoother ride. Expanded bridges and culverts will minimize wildlife collisions by providing safer crossings.

Contractor/Consultant
General Engineering Consultant:URS Corportation - Headquartered in San Francisco, CA

Recent Progress

WSDOT has received the draft conceptual geotechnical recommendations package from URS.  Based on these recommendations, refinements to the final alignment are proceeding, preliminary wall design studies have begun, as well as evaluation of bridge design.  Stormwater analysis work has also begun.

Design Construction Impacts
Due to the onset of winter, no field work is planned.  The rockfall protection fence constructed this summer (MP 58.8) for the exploratory work, will remain in place until the project goes to construction. 

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

  Wetland Impact assessments are expected to be completed by the end of December 2006, with wetland designs following.  The I-90 Inter Disciplinary Team (IDT) has been reassembled, including some different members.  The purpose of the IDT is for evaluation and management of risks associated with mitigation and permitting.  This new IDT met for the first time, last month.

Impacts to Traffic

Due to the onset of winter, no project-related impacts to traffic are planned.
Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Environmental Document July 2007 FEIS is scheduled for distribution near the end of summer 2007, with the ROD expected in late 2007 or 2008.  ESA consultation will begin after completion of the Biological Assessment, in mid Feb.  SAC Conc. Point 3 remains a challenge, with a scheduled completion of May 2007.  Very little float in the FEIS & ROD.  Permitting and final mitigation remains on track for fall 2009 ad date.
Right of Way Sept 2009
Environmental Permits Sept 2009
Contract Advertised Oct 2009
Open to Traffic June 2015
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions 		Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $   28.0  7.2 %
Right-of-Way $    5.0  1.3 %
Construction $ 354.7 91.5 %
Funded Project Costs $ 387.7 100 %

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

 $ 387.7 100 %

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

Graph above includes only PE and RW dollars
Brian White, I-90 Project Director
(509) 577-1874 or whiteb@wsdot.wa.gov

Project Cost Summary reflects the March 2006 Approved Legislative Supplemental Budget