SR 270 - Pullman to Idaho St Line - Additional Lanes

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending June 2004

Project Title & Location
SR 270/Pullman to Idaho State Line.   East of Pullman in Whitman County.

Project Description
As Revised September 2004 - Constructs one additional lane in each direction with a two way turn lane between Pullman and the Idaho State line. The project will increase capacity and reduce travel times. Safety will be enhanced with the addition of a two way turn lane to provide separation between opposing directions of traffic. There are currently two lanes. There will be four through lanes when this project is completed.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded

Recent Progress

Developing agreements with Avista Gas & Electric and Verizon for utility relocations and adjustments.  Right-of-way purchase process is underway with 17 of 37 parcels completed. 

Design Construction Impacts

Potential cost increases on the order of $7.1 million have been identified from factors including unexpected rock and soil conditions, requirements for additional retaining walls and application of new county road standards to planned frontage roads. Design work on the project is now examining whether the project’s goals can be met within the original cost envelope by alignment adjustments and reliance on an access plan that scales back the original plan for frontage roads. This work on the project to maintain its original cost expectation is being conducted with public review and input. Conclusions and recommendations will be reported as soon as possible. The advertisement date is expected to be delayed five to ten months.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The JARPA was submitted for approval March 1, 2004.  A nine month review process is typical for this permit.  A supplement to the JARPA is required for previously undefined Waters of the State.

Impacts to Traffic
No significant impacts expected until the project is under construction.  Mitigation efforts include a comprehensive public awareness campaign.

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Start Project July 2003 July 2003  
Environmental Document October 2004   There is a relatively short timeline for completion and approval for the supplement to the JARPA.
Right of Way November 2005   See design construction impacts
Contract Ad January 2005  

Securing Right of Way and approval of Environmental documentation timelines may delay the Ad date ten months.

Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering $ 2.4 8.0%
Right-of-Way $ 8.1 27.1%
Construction $ 19.4 64.9%
Funded Project Costs $ 29.9 100%

Nickel funds included in above costs

$28.5 95.3%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects

Glenn Wagemann, WSDOT Project Engineer @ (509) 324-6251 Or E-mail wagemag@wsdot.wa.gov