Project Facts
- On average, 12,000 to 14,000 vehicles use this section of SR 20 daily.
- Over the last five years, there have been 169 collisions involving 308 vehicles in the area we are about to improve.
- WSDOT will spend $160 million between 2005 and 2012 to improve SR 20 between Coupeville and Burlington.
May 2008
- Crews are preparing to pave the final layer of asphalt and finish up this project.
- Crews need nighttime temperatures above 50 degrees and dry weather before they can pave.
- Sign up for e-mail updates and we'll keep you posted on upcoming SR 20 lane closures, delays and construction projects that may affect your commute or neighborhood.
Overview
We will make safety improvements that will provide better sight distance, run-off room along the shoulders, and reduce collisions at intersections.
Why is WSDOT
making safety improvements to SR 20 on Whidbey Island?
SR 20 is the backbone of the Whidbey Island transportation system and the only highway connection to the mainland. The section of highway has a history of collisions. Motorists typically experience run-off-the-road and rear-end collisions. We will retrofit the highway with modern safety improvements to help prevent these types of collisions and relieve congestion at intersections.
The End Result
We straightened sharp corners and leveled two hills where visibility was reduced on SR 20. Realigned sections of the highway and improved intersections will increase motorists sight distance and help reduce collisions.
In addition, utility poles were relocated away from the highway, and trees and other roadside obstructions were removed. Coupled with wider lanes and shoulders, drivers now have more room to safely maneuver their vehicles.
Project Benefits
- Widening. we widened the current 11-foot lanes to 12-foot lanes and increase the width of the shoulders to 8 feet (shoulders varied in width from 2 to 8 feet).
- Turn Lanes. we added turn lanes at the following locations: left turn lane for southbound traffic at the intersection of SR 20 and Sidney Street; a right turn lane for southbound traffic in the vicinity of Boon Road; and lengthened the existing southbound left turn lane at Monroe Landing Road by 50 feet.
- Road Alignment. we changed the angle of roads that intersect with SR 20, leveled two hills, and straightened sharp curves to give drivers better sight distance. We realigned the intersection of Boon Road.
- Lighting. We will extend the current highway lighting from Eagle Vista Avenue along SR 20 to the intersection of Swantown and SR 20.
- Bus pullout. a bus pullout will be added just south of Haga Road.
- Environment. we are installing new drainage and catch basins, and built stormwater treatment facilities, including five detention ponds. Other permanent stormwater treatment facilities will include biofiltration swales.
What is the project timeline?
- Spring, 2008 - Finish construction
- April 30, 2007 - Crews permanently closed Mark Street on April 30. The road was closed where it meets Sidney Street near the intersection of SR 20.
- April, 2007 - Begin construction
- December, 2006 - We awarded the project to G.G. Excavation of Anacortes.
- October, 2006 - We advertised the project to contractors
- August, 2006 - Utility crews began moving poles and lines away from highway
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. If you have comments or questions, please e-mail Project Engineer, Dave Crisman.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impact from our projects. During project design, WSDOT worked to reduce the impact to wetlands, creeks and rivers in the project area. A detailed analysis of the project's environmental impacts was completed, and an appropriate plan for mitigation of impacts was developed and documented as part of the Environmental Documentation and Environmental Permitting processes.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This section of roadway has a history of collisions. Making safety improvements will reduce rear-end and "turning movement" collisions.
We widen lanes and shoulders to improve safety for all road users, including drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. We are also build sidewalks in the region of Eagle Vista Avenue and Swantown Road.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
We will consult with Tribes and other interested parties as we develop this project.
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the 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.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing Funds - $9,600,000
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $9,600,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer David Crisman
Mount Vernon Project Engineering Office
1109 East Hickox Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Phone: 360-428-1593
E-mail: Crismad@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications Dave Chesson
WSDOT Mt. Baker Headquarters
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5970
E-mail: chessod@wsdot.wa.gov
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