Project Facts
- The Belfair Bypass will relieve congestion in the community of Belfair by re-routing through traffic.
- The completed project will improve the existing transportation system by providing a high-speed bypass
- Limited access highways are defined as the most restrictive, allowing no direct private property access.
September 2008
The Preferred Alternative Connections have been selected for preliminary design and environmental study. A connector on the north end near Lake Flora Road (N3) and another south of the North Mason School District (S4) will make the bypass the primary route for SR 3 traffic. For more information click on the link below.
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR3/BelfairBypass/Routes.htm
Why is WSDOT
preparing a project to construct the Belfair Bypass?
SR 3 in the Belfair community has been experiencing increased traffic volumes and delays.
The End Result
The completed project will improve the existing transportation system by providing a high-speed bypass, with limited access and built to WSDOT design standards, around the community of Belfair.
Project Benefits
The Belfair Bypass will relieve congestion around the chronically congested downtown Belfair area by providing an alternative route for through traffic. This should have a positive economic benefit by providing more convenient access and circulation within Belfair's commercial area. SR3 through the community of Belfair will see significant traffic improvements, including easier access to and from existing businesses.
What is the project timeline?
In February 2006, WSDOT evaluated the draft Belfair Bypass Environmental Assessment document that was developed in 2002 for Mason County. Due to the time lapse in the environmental process, most aspects of the environmental documentation will need to be updated to meet current permit requirements. In addition, WSDOT has evaluated the previous design proposed by Mason County in the draft Environmental Assessment and determined that significant changes are needed to bring the design up to State Highway design standards.
The schedule and budget for design and construction will not be finalized until environmental documentation updating is complete.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. We endeavor to maintain open communication with the community and all parties interested in the Belfair Bypass project. As WSDOT's project team continues to develop this project, we will continue to seek public information and engage in public discussion.
Environmental Protection
An environmental assessment addressed numerous environmental issues, including air quality, noise, water quality, wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, vegetation and social/cultural/economic elements.
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impacts from our projects. All wetland and storm water impacts will be treated in compliance with current rules.
These efforts will be developed and documented as part of the Environmental Documentation and Permitting process.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.
Please visit the
WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
SR 3 through the community of Belfair will see significant traffic improvements, including easier/safer ingress and egress to existing businesses due to decreased traffic volumes.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT, we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Bill Elliott, Project Engineer
WSDOT Tumwater Design Office
PO Box 47446
Olympia, WA 98504-7446
Phone: 360-570-6606
E-mail: elliotb@wsdot.wa.gov
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