Overview
The westbound lanes of I-90 starting at the Columbia River near Vantage climb up a 4 percent grade for over 10 miles. This extended climb caused slow-moving trucks and recreational vehicles to clog both lanes, creating a safety hazard and delaying other motorists. This project constructed a new westbound 10-mile truck climbing/passing lane.
 | Improves Safety
Providing a third lane allows slow-moving trucks and recreational vehicles to safely move out of the 70 mph traffic stream. Ease of travel has been greatly improved and delays decreased.
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 | Relieves Congestion
The climbing/passing lane allows for smoother travel with fewer delays along this corridor.
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 | Protects Environment
Bio-filtration swales treated stormwater runoff. We also mitigated for minor encroachment on wetlands within the project limits.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
WSDOT worked closely with tribal officials to identify and minimize adverse impacts to areas of cultural, archeological or anthropological significance. When applicable, we addressed any concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan. WSDOT consulted with the Yakama Nation and the Wanapum Tribe during the design phase of this project.
Funding
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $8.7 million
- Existing Funds - $0.9 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $9.6 million
Contact Us
Project Engineer, Will Smith
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1844
E-mail: smithw@wsdot.wa.gov
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