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
The contractor's activities this quarter include completion of all new roadways with the exception of Columbia Park Trail. Final configuration pavement markings, roadside signing, and overhead sign structures are in place. The Steptoe intersection roundabout was completed in late May and traffic was routed from the temporary phasing alignments to the new east and westbound lanes of SR 240. Construction of the wetland mitigation site is complete and the new Columbia Park Trail roadway and signal is scheduled for completion in mid June. WSDOT hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 7th dedicating the new SR 240 roadway to the traveling public. The project will be completed in mid June 2007, under budget and 5 months ahead of schedule.

Design Construction Impacts
A Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) hearing was held on May 29th concerning the failure of the super span temporary shoring wall. The DRB Board submitted their recommendation on June 5th that the contractor has no entitlement for additional costs and/or contract time.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
WSDOT, Tapteal Greenway, and the Washington State Dept. of Ecology are continuing to work together to find a solution that meets the remaining mitigation requirements fo the project. WSDOT expects to spend $225,000 to secure additional conservation easements in the Amon Creek Watershed that protects several acres of wetland and upland resources. The WA State Dept. of Ecology conducted a site visit to assess the condition of the wetland creation site on May 25, 2007.  Feedback regarding the project was very positive.

Impacts to Traffic
During this quarter, traffic was routed to alternate routes during scheduled closures of Steptoe Street and Columbia Park Trail for construction of the roundabout.  SR 240 leaving Richland eastbound was closed for 4 days allowing for the resetting of concrete barrier and applying pavement markings to their ultimate configuration.
As throughout the project, scheduled closures and lane restrictions are made available to the public through the WSDOT Website and local media.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account