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Project Title & Location
- SR 240/I-182 to Richland Y – Add Lanes, - SR 240/Richland Y to Columbia Center Interchange -Tri-Cities
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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.
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Contractor/Consultant
ICON Materials, Kent, Washington
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Recent Progress
ICON Materials started work on March 28, 2005 by erecting high visibility fencing and placing erosion control silt fence in environmentally sensitive areas. Recent activites include clearing and grubbing, demolition of all buildings, constructing embankment for the new eastbound lanes, placement of concrete for bridge footings at the Richland Y Interchange, excavation for retaining walls and utility relocations along Columbia Park Trail.
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Design Construction Impacts
Design modifications to Richland Wye bridge footings were required because of higher than expected ground water elevations. These modifications elevated the footings thus eliminating the need to construct coffer dams. These changes resulted in a savings, both in cost and working days.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The construction office and environmental staff have been working with the WS Department of Ecology to provide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and Temporary Erosion Control Plan updates. Highlighted Best Management Practices include project staging, temporary mulching, vegetation preservation and stabilized truck entrances and a change of plan at the Richland Y to avoid contaminated groundwater interception during footing excavation.
Environmental staff are currently working on new strategies for mitigation resulting from unsuccessful attempts by the WS Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete negotiations for a stream enhancement project on Amon Creek.
Daily compliance monitoring has proven effective and quarterly compliance reports are currently underway for the final quarter of the 2003/2005 Biennium.
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Impacts to Traffic
SR 240 eastbound reduced to one lane between 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for embankment haul. Impacts remain minimal with traffic moving through the project with short delays.
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