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
Project not yet advertised or awarded

Recent Progress
All appraisals for right of way purchase (except the US Army Corps of Engineers parcel) are in. Of the 27 parcels impacted by this project, 9 are closed and 5 are being signed and processed. The design documentation packages are close to completion.  The HQ Bridge office has started work on the three structures and two retaining walls included in the project. Widening analysis of the crossroad structure over I-182 has begun. The Cost Risk Analysis was completed in March. The Environmental Assessment and the 30-day comment period has been completed. FHWA is expected to issue the FONSI by the end of March. Permit Applications have been submitted and are currently under review. Environmental Open House was held on February 18th, 2004.

Design Construction Impacts
We don’t foresee any environmental risks at this point. Construction sequencing for this project will impact the SR 240/Yakima River Bridge Replacement contract (C6522). The design office is preparing a change order to C6522. The proposed sequencing would keep traffic on the eastbound bridge at the completion of C6522 instead of putting traffic onto both bridges. Keeping traffic on one bridge allows the phase 3&4 contract to complete the roadway up to the westbound bridge with minimal impact to traffic. Traffic would then be switched over to the westbound bridge to complete the roadway up to the eastbound bridge. This sequencing will save construction time and cost for both the C6522 contract and the phase 3&4 projects, as well as reduce traffic impact

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The Environmental Assessment, programmatic Section 4(f) evaluation, and the 30 day comment period are completed. The Federal Highway Administration is expected to issue the FONSI by the end of March with SEPA adoption completed by mid-April. Endangered Species Act concurrence was completed in December. A conceptual wetland mitigation plan is completed and the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application has been submitted to all permitting agencies.  We expect to obtain permits by 6/04.

Impacts to Traffic
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction during peak traffic times. It is likely there will be three, 3 to 4 day, total roadway closures to reconstruct connections to ramps and bridges. Closures will be scheduled over weekends to reduce impacts to traffic. Detour routes will be maintained during these closures.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account