Overview
This project will replace the current signalized intersection at State Route 500 and St. Johns Boulevard in Vancouver with a freeway-style interchange.
Why is WSDOT
building this project?
This is one of several projects to make travel on SR 500 safer and more efficient. The first of these projects was the Andresen Road interchange, which was completed in 1996. The second project, the Thurston Way interchange, was completed in October 2002. The most recent project, the NE 112th Avenue/Gher Road interchange, was opened to traffic in October 2004 and substantially complete in June 2005.
The St. Johns Boulevard intersection is one of several intersections on SR 500 between I-5 and Andresen Road where accident rates are approximately 30 to 50 percent above the statewide average for intersections. In the next 20 years, the average daily traffic volumes on SR 500 and intersecting roads are expected to increase by up to 30 percent. The current configuration of this intersection cannot accommodate these volumes of traffic.
The End Result
Upon completion, this new interchange will decrease accident rates and reduce the amount of traffic congestion at the existing intersection. Pedestrians and bicyclists also will be provided with improved accessibility to the Discovery Trail system.
The new interchange will allow traffic on St. Johns Boulevard to drive up and over SR 500 using a new bridge, and will provide access to St. Johns Boulevard from SR 500 using on and off ramps. Traffic on SR 500 traveling through the intersection will no longer have to stop at a traffic signal.
Project Benefits
- Safety: Accidents caused by vehicles changing lanes and merging at the current intersection will be reduced, including rear-end type accidents that occur at the current signalized intersection.
- Congestion Relief: This project will reduce existing congestion at the signalized intersection by allowing through traffic on SR 500 to proceed without stopping at a signal, and by allowing access to and from St. Johns Boulevard using on and off ramps.
What is the project timeline?
- 1999: Preliminary design and environmental work began for project area (St. Johns Boulevard, NE 42nd Avenue/Falk Road, and NE 54th Avenue/Stapleton Road intersections).
- 2002: Environmental assessment for project area completed, and preliminary design work stops due to lack of funding.
- 2006: Design of the St. Johns Boulevard intersection resumes after the state Legislature passes the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package.
- Late 2009: Design scheduled to be completed.
- Summer 2010: Construction is scheduled to begin, pending completion of environmental documentation and receipt of permits.
- 2013: Construction is anticipated to be complete.
Financial Information
The estimated budget for this project is $57 million.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Leon Winger
WSDOT Vancouver Area Office
P.O. Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-1500
E-mail: swVanc@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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