SR 270 - Pullman to Idaho St Line - Additional Lanes

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending September 2003

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
Right of Way appraisals began in September 2003.

Design Construction Impacts

WSDOT has identified that that the current budget may not accurately reflect the work necessary to construct the roadway along this six mile corridor.  The preliminary geotechnical investigation has indicated substantial quantities of rock excavation for the project.  As a result of this information the estimated cost of excavation is expected to increase as original estimates were based primarily on soil excavation.  Another area of concern is the potential increases associated with construction requirements in the area of soil excavation.  The Palouse soils have a high moisture content and require increased surfacing depths to support the roadway.  Additional geotechnical investigation is planned for this winter that will supplement the information available and more refined estimates will be made at that time. 

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
No significant impacts at this time.  Mitigation efforts include avoidance measures and adherence to permit requirements and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP).  A five acre wetland mitigation area is proposed to offset direct impacts.

Impacts to Traffic
No significant impacts expected until Spring 2005 when 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   No issues at this time
Right of Way November 2005   No issues at this time
Contract Ad January 2005    No issues at this time
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) 324-6200 or E-mail: SR270Projects@wsdot.wa.gov