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Project Title & Location
I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Keechelus Dam
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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. Avalanche closures and hazards due to rockfall will be minimized. Aging pavement will be replaced to provide a smoother ride. Expanded bridges and culverts will minimize wildlife collisions by providing safer crossings.
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Contractor/Consultant
General Engineering Consultant: URS Corporation - Headquartered in San Francisco, CA
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Recent Progress
Geotechnical exploration resumed in early May with additional data being collected for the design of stormwater facilities, bridges, and structural walls along Keechelus Lake. The Wetland and Aquatic Resources Mitigation Plan has been developed. A schedule for phasing multiple construction contracts has been developed, with design and permitting on track for advertisement of the first contract in early 2009. The second contract is 30% complete and expected to be ready for advertisement in late 2009.
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Design Construction Impacts
Bedrock along Keechelus Lake is deeper than expected in several areas. Structural walls may not be feasible at key locations and redesign is occurring. Additional geotechnical data is being gathered for the final design of modified walls and bridges. Specialized drill equipment needed for helicopter access locations was unavailable through our normal drilling contractor for drilling in July as planned. Availability of other firms with the necessary equipment/crews was pursued. This could delay geotechnical design aspects of the second contract. The purchase of a large wetland irrigation site, in the Gold Creek valley, was finalized in August.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The Final Environmental Impact Statement was published in the Federal Register on August 29, 2008. The Phase 1A JARPA and Draft Mitigation Plan were submitted in late July 2008.
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Impacts to Traffic
Depending on weather and equipment availability, rolling slowdowns are planned to occur regularly on weekday mornings September through November 2008 for helicopter support of drilling operations.
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