Project Title & Location

- SR 240/I-182 to Richland Y – Add Lanes,

Project Description
This project constructs additional lanes on SR 240 between Richland and Kennewick, linking Interstate 182 with the US Department of Energy's Hanford site, the Columbia Center commercial areas, and east Kennewick's industrial zones. The project will save travel time for auto and vanpool commuters and expand the bicycle corridor. There are currently four general purpose lanes; there will be six lanes when the project is completed.

Contractor/Consultant
ICON Materials, Kent, Washington

Recent Progress
Recent activities include completion of the new eastbound lanes embankment, surfacing and asphalt paving between the Yakima River and the Richland Y Interchange.  Both westbound and eastbound traffic were switched to the temporary Phase 1 traffic alignment on Dec. 4th allowing for reconstruction of the new westbound lanes.  Construction of the George Washington Way Interchange and the Richland Y Bridge continue.  The deck was placed on the Richland Y Bridge on November 28th.  Wetland mitigation construction continues with grading at 75% complete.  Work has started on the storm water drainage system at Columbia Park Trail.  Illumination and signal work started this quarter with conduit installation and construction of concrete luminair and signal bases.  Placement of a permanent traffic camera is complete and it will be available for internet viewing in December.

Design Construction Impacts
Existing utility conflicts discovered during excavation required additional design modifications to the storm water drainage system on Columbia Park Trail.  Project is on budget and ahead of schedule.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The environmental staff is actively looking for additional mitigation credit resulting from unsuccessful attemps by the WDFW to complete negotiations for a stream enhancement project on Amon Creek.  We have been working with WDFW, Ecology, the City of Richland and local conservation groups to find alternatives to meet our mitigation shortfall of approximately 3 acres.  We have two potential options that we are looking to partner on.  We have not yet completed this commitment. Sediment and erosion control BMP's are in place and performing effectively.

Impacts to Traffic
SR 240 lanes were closed between Thursday Dec. 1, 6:00 a.m. eastbound, 9:00 a.m. and reopened on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m.  allowing time for the contractor to construct Phase 1 traffic alignment tie-ins.  Lane closures continued during non-peak hours for embankment haul and asphalt paving.  During girder erection at the I-182 bridge, the interstate was closed between 11:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. with traffic routed through a signed detour.  The same procedure was used at the SR 240/15 bridge when girders were placed over Columbia Park Trail at the Richland Y.

Completed on schedule

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account