SR 161 - 36th to Jovita - Additional Lanes

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending March 2007

Project Title & Location
SR 161 - 36th to Jovita - Additional Lanes

Project Description
The purpose of this project is to ease congestion and reduce accidents on SR 161 by adding lane capacity and managing access points. This project will construct one additional lane in each direction, provide sidewalks on both sides, and make intersection improvements.

Contractor/Consultant
David Evans and Associates, Inc.

Recent Progress

Due to higher than anticipated escalation in R/W and construction costs, current funding will no longer support the scoped project.  The 2007 Governor's budget submitted to the Legislature proposes to construct the project in two stages.  Phase 1 will purchase R/W and construct between 24th and Milton Way, including 3 ponds.  Phase 2 will purchase R/W and construct between 36th and 24th, including one pond.  Phase 2 is funded in 2019-2021 biennium.

The design work related to the preparation of contract plans had to be deferred until 07-09 biennium due to WSDOT's ineffective attempt at advancing additional funding from future bienniums.  This resulted in a one year postponement of the advertisement date.

The curb to curb roadway width has been finalized, 11-foot lanes, 12-foot two-way, left-turn lane/raised median and 4-foot shoulders.  Within the City of Milton there will be 6-foot sidewalks.  In 2006, the Legislature allocated $5 million for City of Edgewood pedestrian improvements.  In July 2006, Edgewood City Council modified Resolution 06-223 to provide 10-foot sidewalks and 4-foot planter strips within City of Edgewood.  WSDOT continues to coordinate with the City of Edgewood for pedestrian and intersection treatments.

Design Construction Impacts

In 2003, right of way purchase and further design work was halted until the city’s improvement strategy for SR 161 was better understood.  Design resumed in summer 2005.

There are numerous utilities in the WSDOT right of way throughout the two-mile project corridor. Overhead and underground utilities will have to be relocated prior to Contract Advertisement.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Storm water will be collected and treated in accordance with current standards.

Impacts to Traffic
Public can expect periodic lane closures and slow-moving traffic through the work area during construction.

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Edgewood Design Study Results May 2004 September 2004  Design study work with the City of Edgewood was completed in May 2004. Recommendations to city council were delayed until September 2004.
Design Start Summer 2005   May 2005 Design resumed in May 2005.
Right of Way Certification September 2007   Coordination of City of Edgewood pedestrian improvements has delayed start of right of way purchasing.
Environmental Permits September 2008   Environmental permit applications will be prepared after environmental documentation is complete (October 2007).
Contract Ad October 2008   Coordination with the City of Edgewood and relocating utilities has delayed contract advertisement until 2009.
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $  3.08 11.6 %
Right-of-Way $  10.50   39.5%
Construction $13.00   48.9 %
Funded Project Costs  $26.60 100.0 %

Nickel funds included in above costs

$24.46   92.0%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

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

Amity Trowbridge, Project Engineer, (360) 357-2682