This Urban Mobility Capital Improvement Highway Program Project makes improvements to the west approaches to the SR 285 Senator George Sellar Bridge from milepost 0.28 (the west side of George Sellar Bridge) to milepost 0.82 (Bridge Street) on SR 285/Mission Street and local streets.
In 2010, the final design alternative was endorsed by the City of Wenatchee, the Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council, and the Washington State Department of Transportation. It included widening the bridge over South Wenatchee Avenue on SR 285. That allowed an off ramp to Crescent Street. A new signal will be installed at the Crescent - Ferry intersection.
The intersection of SR 285 and Mission Street will have two left turn lanes turning from SR 285 onto southbound Mission Street. Mission Street will be restriped to allow for two southbound lanes as far as Marr Street. There will still be two right turn lanes for turning right onto Mission from SR 285.
The intersections of Marr/Mission and Wenatchee Ave/Marr will not require a signal. The intersection of Ferry and Mission will allow East and West through-movements.
This project is the last of three that address congestion and safety in South Wenatchee. For more information on all three projects click here (PDF)
Why is WSDOT
improving these intersections?
The Senator George Sellar Bridge is one of two Columbia River Crossings in the immediate Wenatchee area and serves to connect the southern ends of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. The current local Wenatchee intersections adjacent to the west end of the bridge create choke points for traffic approaching and departing the bridge. These intersections cause gaps in the traffic flow causing substantial delay, accidents, and creates a general concern for traffic safety. Current projections show an increase in traffic volumes will lead to increased congestion throughout the day.
The End Result
This project will increase the capacity of the intersections on streets leading to the west end of the bridge, by adding lanes, limiting traffic movements at intersections and bringing the local streets up to current design standards. These improvements will accommodate a higher traffic flow across the George Sellar Bridge.
As required by law, sidewalks and ramps will be brought up to American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
For the benefit of cyclist and pedestrians, connections from local streets to the new pathway on the south side of the bridge will be improved.
Several new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements will be installed throughout the project, including:
- An automatic congestion detection system that will detect heavy traffic or delays ahead for southbound Chelan St. traffic and alert drivers in advance with a flashing beacon located near the Community Center.
- Several overhead electronic message signs that will transmit real-time messages and alerts to motorist passing beneath. One will be located on a sign adjacent to La Fuente's restaraunt and two located on the east side of the Sellar Bridge for westbound traffic.
- Flashing crossing signs for pedestrians at the corner of Marr St. and Mission Ave. and a new crossing at the loop ramp from South Wenatchee Ave. up to the bridge.
Project Benefits
- Bottlenecks and Chokepoints: Adding additional lanes and limiting certain traffic movements at intersections will provide for a shortened signal time, improved traffic flow and reduced delays through the intersections.
- Safety: Relieving congestion with increased capacity and limiting vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian movements will reduce conflict points for motorists and pedestrians.
- System Efficiency: The project will synchronize signals within the project limits to maximize traffic flow.
What is the project timeline?
Construction began July 23, 2012 and will require 255 working days, until the fall of 2013.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 228501X |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$14,434 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$3,600 |
| Total |
$18,034 |
|
The project was advertised for private contractor bids in May, 2012. Six qualified bids were opened June 14. On June 18, contract #8310 was awarded to Selland Construction Inc. for $9,787,325.75, 4% under the engineering estimate.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Bob Romine
North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2880 or toll free (888) 461-8816
e mail: rominer@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top