I-5 - HOV Improvements - S 48th Street to Pacific Ave

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending September 2004

Project Title & Location

I-5 HOV - South 48th Street to Pacific Avenue, Tacoma

Project Description
Improves safety on I-5, from 38th Street to I-705 by adding a collector-distributor lane for safer merges on and off the freeway.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised

Recent Progress

This project is in the final stages of design. Project risk evaluation meetings are being held every three weeks to anticipate and strategically address possible risks to project implementation. The construction schedule is being evaluated to minimize duration and traffic impacts. 

Design Construction Impacts

Utility relocation is underway.  With several of the Tacoma area freeway projects on track for simultaneous construction, it is possible that area utility companies' workload may prohibit accomplishing all needed relocations prior to contract advertisement. The WSDOT Utility Task Force is working with the owners  to optimize the timing of needed relocations.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

Two previously unknown wetlands were discovered in mid-September. Design changes will eliminate the impacts to one; the other will require mitigation. An effort to develop a mitigation plan for the project is underway.

Where warranted, noise barrier walls will be constructed to minimize the effects of traffic noise on adjacent residences and schools.

Impacts to Traffic

City streets will be impacted by bridge closures during the rebuilding of new crossings at Yakima and Delin streets, and the removal of the Tacoma Avenue crossing.  The temporary closure of these streets over the freeway will increase traffic on South M Street and Pacific Avenue.  Work on these structures will also require moving and narrowing I-5 traffic lanes through the construction workzone.
Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Constructability Review January 2004 January  2004 The independent consultant review of the project's traffic management and construction phasing has validated WSDOT contract plans.
Environmental Permits September 2004    All permits were not acquired by the scheduled due date.  The currently scheduled ad date will require re-evaluation.
Right-of-Way Certification Spring 2004     The majority of right of way has been acquired for the project.  Additional soil nail and tie back subterranean easements are being acquired.
Contract Documents Complete September 2004  

Contract documents are in review. Production of contract documents is being finalized.
 Contract Advertisement October 2004   Adjustment of the ad date will be required. New Ad Date is January 2005.
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions 		Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $    5.0     4.9%
Right-of-Way $    5.3     5.2%
Construction $  92.0   89.9%
Funded Project Costs $102.3 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

 $  93.0  90.9%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

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