See larger map.
Aerial photo of project vicinity.
See larger map.
Project Facts
- The existing two way left turn lane will be extended south from Romance Hill Road to the intersection of SR 106 (South Shore Road).
- Consolidation of driveways will improve safety along the corridor.
- Pedestrian and bicycle friendly facilities will be provided.
November 2008
The engineering office is currently working on these major design elements:
- Alternative analysis for stormwater management facilities
- Fish passage configurations beneath SR 3
- Access management (driveway locations)
- Defining additional right of way needs
- Utilities relocation needs
Project shortened, construction delayed
Additional right of way is needed for this project.
Funding appropriated for this project did not include purchase of additional right of way. As a result, it will be necessary to use some funding allocated for construction to purchase additional right of way. This requires the length of the project to be reduced.
The northern project limit will be moved from milepost 27.98 (at McDonald's) to milepost 26.34 (N.E. Belfair St.). The project still includes a new two-way left turn lane from near Romance Hill Road to SR 106 and sidewalks on both sides of the road.
Funding currently appropriated through June 2011 is not adequate to both complete design work and purchase additional right of way. As a result, completion of right of way purchases, contract plans and acquiring permits will not be completed until early 2012.
Construction is now scheduled to begin in summer 2012 and to be complete in spring 2014.
Why is WSDOT
widening through Belfair?
This congested segment of SR 3 has been identified as a high accident location. Drivers routinely experience congestion, delay and sudden stops for left turns.
The End Result
The end result will be a wider, safer highway with reduced congestion. Key new features include a full length two-way left turn lane, wider shoulders, new sidewalks and improved lighting.
New stormwater treatment facilities will help to improve water quality in adjacent streams and the Hood Canal.
Project Benefits
- Mobility. An improved, full-length left turn lane and revised access points (driveways) will reduce congestion and provide more efficient traffic movement.
- Safety. The project improves bicycle and pedestrian safety adjacent to the roadway, improves lighting throughout the project and reduces conflict points.
- Environment. New stormwater treatment facilities will reduce pollutants in highway run-off before the water enters nearby waters and the Hood Canal.
What is the project timeline?
The project is in the design phase.
Construction is currently scheduled to begin in summer 2012 and to be complete in spring 2014.
Public Involvement
The Washington State Department of Transportation values public input in all phases of the project. Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Contact the project design office for more details on project development.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize the environmental impact of transporation projects. During project design, WSDOT works to reduce the impact to wetlands, creeks and rivers in the project area. A detailed analysis of the environmental impacts will be completed and, if necessary, an appropriate plan for mitigation will be developed and documented as part of the Environmental Documentation and Environmental Permitting processes.
This project provides new stormwater collection and treatment systems.
Please visit the
WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This project addresses several safety concerns through the corridor, mostly by extending the left-turn lane, reducing the number of vehicle conflict points and moving conflict points away from busy intersections.
The new two-way turn lane increases motorist safety when turning into driveways and businesses. The wider shoulders provide room for emergency stops and allow the postal service to deliver mail out of the way of traffic.
Bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to travel safely through the Belfair community by utilizing wider shoulder and concrete sidewalks.
The number of driveways with access to the highway will be reduced to increase motorist safety. Most of the existing driveways will remain in their present locations. Property owners with more than one driveway with access to the highway will be asked to move or remove their driveway to be in compliance with WAC 468-52-040. Limiting driveways with access to the highway will help reduce accidents. The WSDOT recognizes, however, that providing the ultimate safety solution may not always meet the needs of established businesses that rely on access to the highway, and that compromise may be necessary.
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:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $16 million
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $16 Million
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
back to top