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

Construction activities this quarter include the completion of Portland Cement Conc. Paving of the westbound lanes between the Yakima River Bridge and Columbia Center Bvld. in mid October.  During late October and early November, the contractor was granted 3 weekend partial road closures to complete the new roadway between the Yakima River bridge and the City of Richland and associated I-182 ramps.  With this section of roadway complete, the phase 2 traffic switch, switching all SR 240 traffic to the new westbound lanes occured on November 6th.  Construction of the second stage of  the Superspan structure is nearing completion.  Other activities include demolition of the old SR 240/15 bridge structure, placement of permanent signing, fiber optic installation, storm drainage and installation of the irrigation system within the wetland mitigation site.

The Contractor's current schedule shows project completion at the end of April 2007.  Project completion at that time would be well ahead of the initial October 2007 anticipated completion.

Design Construction Impacts

Negotiations continue between WSDOT and the contractor concerning the failure of the I-182/14 bridge, pier 3 post tensioning duct.  A possible claim by the contractor now exists concerning the failure of the Superspan temporary shoring wall.  Discussions with the contractor now indicate that resolution may be determined by a Disputes Resolution Board.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

SCR Environmental staff is continuing to work with WDFW, Dept. or Ecology, local conservation groups and the City of Richland to purchase over 45 acres of property to fulfill the mitiagtion requirements.  Purchase of the property would include an agreement to place the property into a conservation easement to protect approximately 16 acres of high quality wetlands adjacent to Amon Creek.

The planting plan for the wetland mitigation site has been modified to include natural recruitment of native woody species. 

A temporary erosion and sediment control risk assessment was conducted at the project site on October 17th.  The site received a score of 3 on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being at the highest risk for potential erosion and sediment discharge into perennial waters.

Impacts to Traffic

The last quarter has had the highest impact to traffic during the project to date.  Three long weekend clousures and the closure of Columbia Park Trail during demolition of the existing SR 240/15 bridge have caused the traveling public to use detours and alternate routes.  As in the past, all closures and planned lane restrictions have been scheduled and made available to the public throught the WSDOT Website and local media.

Completed on schedule

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account