View Entire Map The project is located between Moses Lake and Ephrata in central Grant County.
View entire photo (Before) A north bound passing lane now runs from MP 60.54 to MP 62.58
View entire photo (Before)A south bound passing lane now runs from MP 65.31 to 63.34. Another south bound passing lane now runs from MP 60.41 to MP 59.74.
The passing lane project combined funding from two separate projects to provide the passing lanes. The funding from SR 17 North of Moses Lake - Add Passing Lane and additional funding from SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata Widening were combined to provide the funding for two southbound passing lanes from MP 65.3 to MP 63.4 and from MP 60.41 to MP 59.74 and a northbound passing lane from MP 60.54 to MP 62.58.
The paving projects resurfaced 8 miles of SR 17 from the Grant County Airport to the SR 282 junction and from the junction for 5 miles on SR 282 to the SR 28 junction in downtown Ephrata.
Why is WSDOT
paving and building passing lanes on SR 17 between Moses Lake and Ephrata?
There were minimal opportunities for passing slower moving vehicles. That resulted in drivers attempting unsafe passing maneuvers while increasing the potential for cross-over accidents.
The passing lanes provide a safer opportunity for passing. The combined project provides over 4.5 miles of passing lanes.
The 13 mile paving project extends roadway life and increases its weight carrying capacity as well as improving safety with a smoother driving surface, new striping and new signage. Maintenance costs will also be reduced.
The End Result
The combined project provides for northbound and southbound passing lanes twelve feet wide with four foot shoulders. The northbound passing lane start at S. Neppel and stop before Northlake Road. The southbound passing lanes start just south of N. Neppel Road and stop just before Northlake Road and start at S. Neppel and end just before McConihe Road.
The paving projects resurfaced 8 miles of SR 17 from the Grant County Airport to the SR 282 junction and from the junction for 5 miles on SR 282 to the SR 28 junction in downtown Ephrata.
Project Benefits
Passing Lanes-
- reduce traffic congestion, provide more opportunities for vehicles traveling at highway speeds to get around slower vehicles.
- provide a safer corridor by reducing the number of vehicles crossing the center line, into the oncoming traffic lane, in order to pass slower vehicles.
Paving-
- extends roadway life.
- improves safety with new striping and signage.
- provides a smoother driving surface.
- reduces future maintenance costs.
What is the project timeline?
Construction began June 8th and was complete November 19, 2009.
Financial Information
The project was advertised for private contractor bids on March 23rd, 2009. Three bids were opened on April 23rd. Contract #7724 was awarded to Granite Northwest, Inc. for $6,235,235.00, 22% below the engineering estimate.
This project is funded through the following sources:
*$2.4 Million of the project funding is from the
SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata - Widening Environmental Study.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Eric Pierson
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: 509.667.2870 or toll free 888.461.8816
E-mail: piersoe@wsdot.wa.gov
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