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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
The contractor performed the remaining work required to complete the new signal system at the intersection of the westbound SR 240 off ramp and Columbia Park Trail. The signal was activated on July 2, 2007.
A planting area located on the west side of SR 240, near the Super Span wildlife connectivity tunnel remains to be completed later in the fall near the end of the non-irrigated planting window in November.
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Design Construction Impacts
After further review by the South Central Region Traffic Office, it was determined that 2 signing issues have to be resolved in order to maintain current signing specifications. Two cantilever sign structures, signing the eastbound SR 240 drop lane and exit to Columbia Center Boulevard will be added by change order to the project. Currently, the project office is obtaining field and site conditions for use by Headquarters Bridge and Structure Design. The anticipated construction start date of the sign structures is early to mid December, 2007.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The Washington State Dept. of Ecology has approved the WSDOT mitigation plan to secure additional conservation easements in the Amon Creek Watershed, which protects several acres of wetland and upland resources. WSDOT, Tapteal Greenway, Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, and the Washington State Dept. of Ecology are working together to finalize the plan, which will fulfill the remaining mitigation requirements for the project. WSDOT expects to spend $250,000 to acquire additional property in the Amon Creek Watershed to be managed as conservation easement by Tapteal Greenway.
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Impacts to Traffic
There we no impacts to traffic during this quarter. Minor delays were experienced during the activation of the new Columbia Park Trail traffic signal.
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