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

Since the June report, work continues at a fast pace.  Recent activities include roadway embankment for the new eastbound lanes which are approximately 80% complete, completion of clearing and grubbing, construction of stormwater retention ponds.  Construction of bridge structures on I-182 and SR 240, is well underway with girders being placed and bridge retaining walls nearly complete.  Construction of the proposed 11 acre wetland mitigation sight has started.  A permanent traffic camera has been placed in the Richland Y vicinity where SR 240 can be viewed on the internet.  The camera is scheduled to be operating in October 05.

Design Construction Impacts

Design modifications to the storm water drainage system on Columbia Park Trail were required because of higher ground water tables just as experienced when constructing the Richland Y bridge structure.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The environmental staff is actively looking for additional mitigation credit resulting from unsuccessful attempts by the WDFW to complete negotiations for a stream enhancement project on Amon Creek.  We have been working with the WDFW, the City of Richland and local conservation groups and have found 2 sites that would work well to meet our mitigation shortfall of approximately 3 acres.  One option is at  the SR 240 project near the Righland Y in partnership with the USACE and the City of Richland, and the other is a preservation of high quality wetlands in the Amon Creek watershed that is currently under threat of land development.  This second option at Amon Creek has already been evaluated by the Dept. of Ecology and credit values have been authorized.  We will likely choose a final option within the next 6 months.

Embankment on the west side of the causeway is nearly complete and erosion control BMP's proved successful.  The contractor will be finishing the clearing and grubbing of the wetland mitigation site and excavation will soon start once appropriate sediment and erosion control BMP's have been installed.

Impacts to Traffic

SR 240 eastbound lane closures continue during non-restricted hours for embankment haul.  During bridge demolition and 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