Project Title & Location

SR 20 Fredonia to I-5

Project Description
This project will improve approximately 5 miles of State Route 20 in Skagit County, from the intersection of SR 536 (Fredonia) to Interstate 5 (Burlington). This portion of SR 20 is currently a two-lane undivided highway, which this project would upgrade to a four-lane divided highway. In addition, realignment of the southbound I-5 ramps and modifications to the northbound ramps will improve movement at the SR 20/I-5 interchange.

Contractor/Consultant
 • We awarded Stage I of this project to Scarsella Brothers, Inc. for their low bid of $15.1 million. 

Recent Progress
• Construction of Stage I has begun.
• The legislature accelerated project funding so that Stage 3 could be combined back into Stage 2.
• Right of way acquisitions for Stage 2 are underway and scheduled to be complete by the end of 2007.
• Coordinating with the City of Burlington on agreements necessary to incorporate Nevitt Road improvements into the Stage 2 contract. 
• Utility companies are preparing relocation plans.
• 60% constructability review meeting was held in May.

Design Construction Impacts
 · The project funding that was accelerated so Stage 3 improvements could be added into the Stage 2 project were allocated for the 09-11 biennium. $16.7 million of the $25.2 million additional funding will need to be shifted to the 07-09 biennium to complete the contract development and complete construction of the project by fall of 2009.
· Stage 1 provides improvements from the SR 536 interchange to east of Higgins Airport Way. Stage I is under construction and is expected to be complete by the end of 2008. Stage 2 will complete the project from the Stage I project limits through the SR 20/I-5 interchange and is scheduled for construction in 2008 and 2009.
· The State is acquiring additional Right of Way for the City of Burlington for their Nevitt Road street improvements on those parcels that the State was already planning a partial take. This will eliminate multiple property acquisition transactions with property owners.
· This project changes access rights and traffic movements to right-in/right-out only for all properties adjacent to the highway.
· Coordination with BNSF is ongoing to obtain easements that are needed for the project.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

· The project will impact 6.33 acres of wetlands.  Wetland impacts are being mitigated by creating 8.35 acres of new wetlands and enhancing 0.69 acres of existing wetlands adjacent to Gages Slough under the Stage I contract.  The Stage II contract will provide 0.65 acres of streamside resotration at No Name Slough to mitigate the impacts of disturbing the banks of Higgins Slough.

Impacts to Traffic

· Moderate daily traffic delays are expected due to normal construction activities such as trucks entering and exiting the roadway etc.

· Traffic control staging will be required.

· Detours will be necessary for intersecting local roads during upgrade of railroad crossings and road work.

· Temporary roadways will be provided to keep southbound traffic at the interchange moving during construction of the new southbound ramps.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account