|
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 and URS have co-located in a new building in Yakima. Goetechnical exploration work for the 2006 season began, and is close to 90% complete. This exploratory work will result in a conceptual geotechnical report that is critical for allowing the project team to move forward with design and environmental documentation. In addition to the geotechnical exploration work on the pass, we are sending surveyors out in the field to collect data for wetland delineations, bridge site data, and geotechnical mapping.
|
|
Design Construction Impacts
As a result of this years geotechnical data collected, several critical elements have been identified, mostly in the vicinity of Slide Curve. This could result in shifting the alignment into the hillside more than originally planned.
|
|
Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Permitting for the 2006 geotechnical work was completed on time to begin exploratory drilling in early summer. Members of the project management team met with the Wildlife Bridges Coalition and other agencies, to discuss grant opportunities for acquisition of lands for wildlife habitat that benefit both land conservancy and the I-90 project.
|
Impacts to Traffic
Short term lane closures at Slide Curve (near MP 59), and installation of a rockfall fence to protect traffic from potential rockfall from exploratory operations, have been completed.
|