Aerial Project Map
This map shows the 2007 bypass alignment proposed by WSDOT (red.) Other roadways associated with the proposed north and south end connections to the existing SR 3 are shown in blue. The 2001 bypass alignment proposed by Mason County is shown in grey. The Newkirk Road Connection is shown in green.
View a larger, printable pdf version of this map (pdf 2.6 mb)
North Connection:
- N3 (Preferred Alternative) - This preferred alternative places traffic on the new bypass alignment and treats existing SR 3 as a secondary route. A section of existing SR 3 would be removed (red hatched area) and realigned into a single signalized intersection with Lake Flora Road. A frontage road would be constructed to provide access to local residents.
Cost associated with this portion of the alternative - $32.2 million
This connection location has been shown to satisfy the need for a direct connection, making the bypass the primary route for traffic and maximizing the time that traffic along existing SR 3 through Belfair will stay at a Level Of Service D or better for a longer period of time. Other benefits are adequate room to provide a full interchange in the future, unification of the intersection of Lake Flora Road with existing SR 3, improvement of a section of the high accident corridor in that location, and low noise and wetland impacts.
South Connection:
- S4 (Preferred Alternative) - This preferred alternative places traffic primarily on the new bypass alignment and treats existing SR 3 as a secondary route. A section of existing SR 3 would be removed (red hatched area) and realigned into a single signalized intersection with SR 302. Bypass alignment B must be used for this alternative.
Cost associated with this portion of the alternative - $29.7 million
This connection location satisfies the need for a direct connection to existing SR 3, making it the primary route for traffic. It is compatible with a future connection around Allyn by extending Rasor Road. This intersection with Alta and the bypass provides adequate space around it to allow a full diamond interchange with either existing SR 3 to the south or Rasor Road being the primary route, whenever these long range plans are decided upon. Future build-out of an interchange at the Alta Road intersection location has significantly fewer environmental and social impacts and is less geographically challenging than any of the other alternatives.
This connection location minimizes wetland impacts and requires few residential relocations and minimizes the bisection and segregations of the Alta neighborhood. The high accident corridor and intersection in the vicinity of the SR 302 will also be improved.
Improvements to the North Mason High School are in the preliminary draft stages, the impacts to the 40 acre parcel that has been slated to be used for school expansion can be adjusted for and provide a grade separated access under the bypass to safely re-connect the two sections. Currently there is also approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land owned by the school along the north edge of the school which could be utilized for school expansion. Future access to the built-out Alta/Rasor Road could be utilized. By the realignment and unification of the signalized SR 302 intersection, safer access for school busses and crossing pedestrians would also be obtained.
Other Traffic Improvements required:
A Mid-Point connector was not shown to significantly alleviate the traffic congestion on SR3 and was therefore not selected.
Newkirk Road Connection - This improvement would extend Newkirk Road to make a direct connection from SR 3 to the Old Belfair Highway. This would help shift traffic away from the failing Clifton Lane intersection and provide a second route to SR 300 (North Shore Road) and the Old Belfair Highway from SR 3. The existing section of Newkirk Road would be widened and improved to provide capacity for the increased traffic volumes.
- 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