2009 Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together a list of SR 302 Corridor Study frequently asked questions. If you need a question answered and you don't see it on the list, e-mail us at sr302study@wsdot.wa.gov or call the study hotline at 206-826-4759.
What part of State Route 302 is being studied?
WSDOT is studying SR 302 from SR 16 to Key Peninsula Highway. The study will consider transportation improvements that address the purpose and need of the project.
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What alternatives are being consideration?
There are 4 alternatives being considered.
Alternative 4 - Uses existing SR 302 and a new alignment in the vicinity of 144th St. NW out to Burley Lagoon, construct a new bridge across Burley Lagoon, and match into and improve existing 144th St. NW out to a new SR 16 interchange.
Alternative 6 - Uses existing SR 302 to 144th St. where a new alignment would begin and head northeast toward Pine Rd. The route follows Pine Rd. to the SR 302 Spur to an improved SR 302 Spur/SR 16 intersection.
Alternative 7 - Uses existing SR 302 then travels north on 118th Ave. to Pine Rd. to the intersection of Bethel-Burley Rd. The alignment would then head southeast on the SR 302 Spur to an improved SR 302 Spur/SR 16 intersection.
Alternative 10 - Uses existing SR 302 to approximately 154th St. in the vicinity of 82nd Ave. and out to Burley Lagoon, to construct a new bridge across the lagoon. The new alignment would connect into existing 154th St. out to a new SR 16 interchange.
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When will the study be completed?
2007
Briefings with over 30 stakeholder groups were conducted. Public meetings were held to understand what the concerns are, and to gather information about existing traffic conditions on the route.
2008
The project purpose and need was developed, a community advisory committee was formed, and an alternatives screening process began.
2009
A second level of alternatives screening was conducted to determine the alternatives which will studied in the official environmental impact statement (EIS). Agency and a public scoping meetings occurred in January to gather comments on the study's purpose and need and the alternatives.
Next Steps (2009 - 2010)
Environmental investigations will be conducted to understand how a project will impact the surrounding environment. Information that is collected will make up the dicipline reports that become part of the environmental document. Our current funding allows this study to reach the final draft discipline report stage in the fall of 2010. The study completion date is unknown at this time and depends on further funding.
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Is there already an alternative that has been chosen?
No, an alternative has not been chosen. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires that WSDOT identify and evaluate all reasonable alternatives as well as a "no action" alternative. Alternatives were screened during a level 1 and level 2 screening exercise to have a reasonable range of alternatives that will be studied in more detail in this EIS process.
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What is the definition of a "no action" alternative?
The no action alternative is mainly thought of in terms of continuing with the present course of action until that action is changed. This alternative does not include improvements that would increase capacity through widening an existing structure or roadway. An environmental document will always include "no action" as an alternative. The alternatives analysis in an environmental document must always include the alternative of "no action".
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What environmental impacts will be taken into consideration?
The environmental impacts that will be taken into consideration in this environmental process are:
Air quality impacts
Fish and aquatic resource impacts
Floodplains, groundwater and surface water impacts
Geology and soils impacts
Hazardous materials impacts
Historic and cultural resource impacts
Land use impacts
Noise impacts
Section 4(f) impacts
Social/Economic and environmental justice impacts
Visual quality impacts
Water resources and shoreline impacts
Wetland impacts
Wildlife & terrestrial habitat impacts
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What happens to the Purdy Bridge when a new route is chosen?
No decision has been made at this time about the closure or replacement of the Purdy Bridge. The bridge is currently on a list that funds replacement of bridge structures. Once the corridor is determined, WSDOT will address bridge replacement or closure and take into consideration long-term operation, mitigation and funding.
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Why does WSDOT want access to properties in the area?
Beginning fall of 2009 we will be conducting investigations such as surveying and sampling in the area which will help to identify how a future project could impact the surrounding environment. For example, we need to know how wetlands, streams or historic and cultural resources will be affected. This field work will be conducted by environmental experts.
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How can the community participate in this study?
WSDOT has met with and will continue to discuss with stakeholder groups the study and their concerns. Staff are available to discuss with groups and individuals the purpose of this work and its value to the study and the community. Information is published on the website. Comments are accepted throughout the study by e-mail, or by calling the study hotline.
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When will WSDOT begin to acquire property for the new route?
Currently, the study is going through the process to choose a route. When the final route is chosen, right of way needs will be determined. Detailed information about the process for property acquisition can be found at /RealEstate/Acquisition.htm
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