WSDOT - SR24, I-82 to Keys Rd. Additional Lanes

SR 24 - I-82 to Keys Rd - Add Lanes - Open June 2007
*Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2003*

Project Title & Location SR 24 – I-82 to Keys Road – Additional Lanes – Yakima	Project Description This project constructs one additional lane in each direction from I-82 to Riverside Road, improves the interchange, and constructs a new bridge over the Yakima River, relieving congestion, improving safety, and addressing erosion at the Yakima River Bridge piers.
Contractor/Consultant Project not yet advertised or awarded
Recent Progress The Value Engineering team recommended we build one structure over I-82 and provide an additional lane for the north and sound bound on-ramps. WSDOT conducted a noise study of residences and businesses that would be affected by the addition of the second lane for the southbound on ramp. Although the noise study indicated that a noise wall protecting the adjacent properties was feasible and reasonable to build, a survey of the property owners indicated that the majority did not want a noise wall. The Noise Study and Survey were conducted in accordance with federal regulations.
Design Construction Impacts Current estimates indicate that the project is on time and on budget. Moving the contract’s advertisement date to February 2005 (from April 2005) lets the potential contractor work more efficiently in building the bridge across the Yakima River. The increase in efficiency will allow the new highway to be open to traffic approximately nine months early. The appraisal and acquisition process for highway right of way will begin in February 2004.
Environmental Impacts / Compliance The draft Environmental Assessment was completed in November and the public review and comment period lasted until December 19, 2003. After review of the comments, a draft of the Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be sent to the Federal Highway Administration in January 2004 for approval. The streamlined environmental permitting process will begin in January 2004.	Impacts to Traffic During construction the traveling public will use the existing lanes and bridges while the new eastbound lanes are being constructed. Traffic will then be moved to the new lanes, utilizing the existing bridges, while westbound lanes and bridges are constructed. This will minimize the congestion and accident risk to the public.

Project Milestones	Scheduled	Attained	Milestone Outlook
Start Project		Dec 98
Environmental Document	Dec 03		Delayed one month to implement the VE study recommendation.
Environmental Permits	Sep 04		We will utilize Transportation Permit Efficiency and Accountability Committee (TPEAC) streamlined One-Stop Permitting methods.
Contract Advertised	Apr 05		May advance to February 2005.
Open to Traffic	May 07		May advance to late summer 2006.

Project Cost Summary:	Dollars in millions	Percent of Total	Planned vs. Actual Expenditures (Total Project Cost)
Preliminary Engineering	$3.14	7.7 %
Right-of-Way	$5.02	12.1 %
Construction	$33.26	80.2 %
Funded Project Costs	$41.2	100 %

Nickel funds included in above costs	$34.9	85.1 %
2005 Transportation Partnership Account

For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects