Project Title & Location
Eastbound Off Ramp to Weyerhaeuser Way and Weyerhaeuser Way to SR167

Project Description
This project adds a truck climbing lane to westbound SR 18 between SR 167 and Weyerhaeuser Way. The project will also modify Weyerhaeuser Way ramp terminals and add signal to westbound ramps.

Contractor/Consultant
Tri-State Construction

Recent Progress
The contractor has completed most work on the north side of SR18 (except for final illumination and paving).  Work on bridge foundation and piers are complete.  The contractor is working on south side sub-grade excavation for barrier installation.  The contractor is also working on wall and fills along the south side of the road.

Design Construction Impacts

Design errors with ground elevation for bridge and wall substructure have required numerous changes during construction.  The Peasley Canyon Bridge east end pier and the retaining walls to the east were redesigned to compensate for these elevation changes.  The two intermediate piers required an adjustment of the shafts to match existing elevations.  The precast barrier on the shoulder of SR18 required revisions due to stability concerns.  Temporary illumination systems were required on two of the ramps. 

The contractor has proposed three Cost Reduction Incentive Proposals (CRIP) that we have accepted.  One for changing superstructure widening from cast in place box girder to a precast girder structure.  Two changes to wall structures to make them easier and more cost effective to construct. 

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
Early in construction we had difficulty meeting water quality discharge requirements.  The contactor suggested use of a chitosan sand filter system.  Chitosan is still considered an experimental system by the Department of Ecology therefore we stopped using this system.  All normal BMPs are functioning acceptably.

Impacts to Traffic

The roadway has no shoulders throughout the job.  Traffic lanes were shifted in May 2004.  Additional nighttime single lane closures will occur as needed.  Final paving and re-striping of the road will occur in fall 2004 or spring 2005.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account