WSDOT Projects

View entire map The project is located between Moses Lake and Ephrata in central Grant County.


 
View entire photo There would be a sixty foot median between the two sets of lanes in the rural sections.


View entire photo  The widening plan at the McConihe Road/SR 17 Intersection.



View entire photo The plan for the SR 282 and SR 28 intersection.



View entire photo  Median Concrete Barrier is proposed between urban sections of the new lanes in both Moses Lake and Ephrata.

Project Facts

• David Evans and Associates, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, is the consultant WSDOT contracted with for this study.
• The environmental study is identifying the important issues in order to minimize impacts to the environment.
• The study corridor is approximately 16 miles long.

Overview
This first stage of the project completes a Documented Categorically Exempt (DCE) environmental report.

The preferred alternative design has been selected based on several screening criteria; Design Standards, Public Acceptance, Noise, Environmental Issues, Utility Impacts, Construction Complexity, and others. 

Preferred Alternative
The preferred alternative consists of asymmetrical widening along SR 282 and SR 17, with the exception of the Moses Lake urban section.  Asymmetrical widening means the current roadway will be used as the northbound lanes and the southbound lanes would be constructed south of the existing lanes. 

The Ephrata and Moses Lake urban areas would have a concrete median barrier.  The remaining section of SR 282 and SR 17 would have a 60 foot median. 

The preferred alternative also calls for signalizing, illuminating and realigning several intersections on SR 17 and SR 282.

Why is WSDOT doing an environmental assessment of this corridor?
An approved DCE is the result of a comprehensive process that studies all the impacts a project could have on the environment. The studies include: noise, air quality, hazardous materials, visual impacts, transportation, water quality, wildlife, cultural and archeological resources, socio-economic impacts and more. 

When constructed, this project will provide a 4 lane connection between Moses Lake and Ephrata and 4 lane route continuity with the rest of SR 17 from the Port of Grant County Airport to Interstate 90.  Widening of the last 2-lane piece of that section, from Pioneer Way to Stratford Road, was completed last fall (2007).

Significant growth is occurring in this area and widening of this route will reduce congestion during peak commuting times and reduce the conflicts between passenger vehicles and large trucks. The project will increase shipping efficiency, improve access for freight and provide a safer highway for all its users.

WSDOT and the consultant are coordinating with local governments and agencies to ensure that future plans for development and necessary access, are fully considered in the study.

The End Result
The preferred alternative of the Project will be taken through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) approval processes. When that is complete, design can begin. Design and construction have not yet been fully funded by the Legislature.

Project Benefits

Freight Mobility: The proposed four lanes would increase highway freight capacity and increase freight mobility between Ephrata, Moses Lake, and I-90, including the Ephrata and Moses Lake Airports.

Traffic Flow: Widening the corridor will reduce traffic congestion along this route. Intersections will be designed to maintain traffic flow and allow for truck turning movements.

Safety: The project will develop alternatives that will improve safety at several intersections, providing turn pockets, turning lanes and/or signals where needed.

What is the project timeline?
The environmental study is scheduled to be completed this spring.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. The project will include direct outreach efforts to inform as many members of the community as we can, about the project and get your suggestions.
 
The David Evans and Associates, Inc. consulting firm and WSDOT held two public open houses in Moses Lake and Ephrata.  The first round was held on January 22nd in Ephrata and January 23rd in Moses Lake.  The second round of Open Houses were held June 11th and 12th in Ephrata and Moses Lake.

 

Environmental Protection
The environmental assessment will detail the impacts that widening the corridor will have. Outcomes from the study will aid in decision making and help guide the final design and construction.


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 part of the preferred alternative selection criteria. 

There are several at grade intersections along this route. Each one will be considered separately, and then collectively, to determine the best configurations to provide the highest level of safety while still providing an efficient travel route.

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) - $5* Million

· Total Funding Available from all sources - $5* Million

*$2.4 Million of the $5 Million funding will go towards the SR 17 N. of Moses Lake - Add Passing Lane.

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

back to top