Project Facts
- This project will provide a passing lane on SR 24.
- The section of rural SR 24 is traveled daily by Hanford commuters and has heavy truck traffic during harvest times.
- The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding package provides gas tax money for this project.
August 2008
• Visit our booth at the fairs shown below to find out more about WSDOT projects.
Benton County Fair (August 19 - August 23)
Kittitas County Fair (August 28 - Sept. 1)
Central Washington State fair (Sept. 26 - Oct. 5)
• WSDOT and contractor Granite Northwest, Inc. completed paving in July and the new lanes are now open to traffic. The project was completed within budget and ahead of the fall 2008 scheduled completion date.
• Crews are currently working on finishing the roadway slopes and minor cleanup work. Seeding the new roadway slopes will occur in October 2008.
This project will construct a passing lane uphill in both directions on SR 24 between SR 241 and Cold Creek Road.
Why is WSDOT
improving SR 24?
From 1999 to March 2005, there were five serious accidents within the project limits, resulting in two deaths and three disabling injuries. Constructing a passing lane will improve safety; reduce collisions, and increase traffic mobility and efficiency.
The End Result
This project will provide a passing lane uphill in both directions. These improvements will reduce the number of accidents along this route and provide a safer road for motorists.
Project Benefits
Safety. By constructing a passing lane, WSDOT is providing a safer roadway for travelers. Improved traffic flow in this area will reduce accidents related to improper passing.
What is the project timeline?
Construction will begin in spring 2008 and should be completed by fall 2008.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project construction office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
The environmental documentation is complete for the project. As designs are refined, environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Constructing a passing lane will provide adequate passing distance to increase motorist safety and reduce accidents.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
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.
During project design, WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation, the Wanapum Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $5.1 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $5.1 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.
For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Will Smith
WSDOT South Central Project Office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima WA 98909
(509) 577-1844
E-mail: smithW@wsdot.wa.gov
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