WSDOT Projects

View Entire Map The project is located between Moses Lake and Ephrata in central Grant County.

View entire photo  The north bound passing lane runs from MP 59.7 to MP 62.6.


View entire photo  The south bound passing lane runs from MP 65.3 to 63.4.

Project Facts

• David Evans and Associates, Inc. of Bellevue, Washington is the consultant WSDOT contracted for the design phase.
• The Advertisement date is November 2008.
• The combined projects will provide over 4.5 miles of passing lane.

This project combines funding from two separate projects to provide two passing lanes, one Northbound and one Southbound.  The funding from SR 17 North of Moses Lake - Add Passing Lane and additional funding from SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata Widening are combined to provide two passing lanes.

The combined project provides for a Southbound passing lane on SR 17, approximately MP 65.3 to MP 63.4 vicinity and a Northbound passing lane  approximately MP 59.7 to MP 62.6 vicinity.   

Why is WSDOT designing passing lanes on SR 17 between Moses Lake and Ephrata?
Currently, there are minimal opportunities for passing slower moving vehicles.  This results in drivers attempting unsafe passing maneuvers while increasing the potential for cross-over accidents. 

The passing lanes, one in each direction, will provide a safer opportunity for passing.  The combined project will provide over 4.5 miles of passing lanes.

The End Result
The combined project will provide for a Northbound and a Southbound passing lane.  The passing lanes will be twelve feet in width with eight foot shoulders.  The Northbound passing lane will start approximately after McConhie Road and stop before Northlake Road.  The Southbound passing lane will start just south of N. Neppel Road and stop just before Northlake Road.

Project Benefits
     
Traffic Flow: The passing lanes will reduce traffic congestion along this route.  Allowing a safer opportunity for slower vehicles to be passed by faster moving vehicles.

Safety: The passing lanes will provide a safer corridor by reducing the number of vehicles entering oncoming traffic in order to pass.

What is the project timeline?
The design work is underway and we plan to advertise the project for private contractor bids this November. Construction is scheduled for the spring and summer of 2009.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us.  The project will include direct efforts to inform as many members of the community as we can, about the project and get your suggestions.

The SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata - Widening Environmental Study Project held open houses in both Moses Lake and Ephrata. These passing lane projects were discussed as well.

Environmental Protection
Currently, a Documented Categorically Exempt (DCE) report is being completed for widening the corridor from two lanes to four lanes.  The study will help in the design and construction of the passing lanes.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Safety is a primary design parameter and a high priority for WSDOT and David Evans and Associates.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of 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.

Financial Information

This project is funded through the following sources:

· 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership funding) - $3.7* Million

· Total Funding Available from all sources - $3.7* Million

*approximately $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:
Terry Mattson
Consultant Manager and Special Projects Engineer
WSDOT Consultant Management and Special Projects Office
PO Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807-0098
Phone: 509-667-2899
E-mail: mattsot@wsdot.wa.gov

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