WSDOT Projects

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View aerial photos of the existing and proposed interchange.

Project Facts

• More than 40,000 vehicles use the 172nd Street NE Interchange (or Smokey Point Bridge) to access I-5 each day.
• We will add a loop ramp from westbound SR 531 to southbound I-5.
• We will realign and widen the southbound and northbound I-5 on-and off-ramps.

Overview
In 2009, we will improve access from Interstate 5 to State Route 531 at the 172nd Street NE Interchange by building a new two lane loop ramp, adding turn lanes and widening existing ramps. In winter 2005, WSDOT and contractor Graham Construction finished building a new six-lane bridge south of Arlington.

Why is WSDOT improving this interchange?
More than 40,000 vehicles use the 172nd Street NE Interchange (or Smokey Point Bridge) to access I-5 each day. Increased traffic has caused severe back-ups on and around the bridge during morning and evening commute times and on weekends. Although the new six-lane Smokey Point Bridge has alleviated much of that congestion, rebuilding the ramps will help improve the flow of traffic to and from I-5.

The End Result
In 2009, we will begin work to improve access to I-5 and SR 531.

I-5 ramp improvements:

• Realign the ramps to fit the wider, longer bridge.
• Add a loop ramp from westbound SR 531 to southbound I-5. The ramp will have a HOV bypass lane and a metered general purpose lane
• Widen both the southbound and northbound I-5 on- and off-ramps
• Add right-turn lanes and traffic signals 
• Widen the existing eastbound SR 531 to southbound I-5 on-ramp to include an HOV bypass lane and a metered general purpose lane
• Widen the existing northbound I-5 off-ramp to two lanes.
• Upgrade lighting, striping, signing, guardrail and fencing

Project Benefits
• Congestion Relief - By widening and realigning the ramps we will improve traffic flow between SR 531 and I-5.

• Safety - We will bring these ramps up to current WSDOT safety standards. This project will reduce the risk of accidents for vehicles traveling the I-5 corridor, as well as those entering and exiting the freeway at this interchange.

• Environment - We will improve drainage and storage for highway stormwater runoff, which will improve the water quality in the area.

What is the project timeline?
Engineers and designers are currently working to refine this project.  We anticipate construction beginning in 2009 and wrapping up in 2010.

Public Involvement
The current long-range project design requires WSDOT to buy land and limit access. For questions or comments about long-range project plans, contact Design Engineer Sharif Shaklawun.

Environmental Protection
Workers will improve drainage in the project area. During construction, WSDOT crews will use plastic sheeting and fiber matting to cover exposed soil and prevent erosion. Fabric fences will be installed at the bottom of slopes to filter fine dirt so that water quality is protected.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Heavy traffic increases the chance of accidents, and the old Smokey Point bridge had a high number of rear end and sideswipe collisions. The bridge replacement helped reduce these safety risks. The new wider overpass and improved ramps will increase capacity and improve traffic flow on this busy interchange. These improved conditions will help reduce collisions and keep motorists safer. Also, the addition of a bicycle lane and pedestrian walkway will improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
In November 2002, we consulted the Tulalip, Stillaguamish, Samish, and Kikiallus Tribes about this project, and a Cultural Resource Survey was prepared. In March 2003, that survey was distributed to these Tribes with a request to review and comment on its contents. After 30 days, the survey was forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) who concurred with WSDOT's findings and recommendations--that no tribal resources would be affected by the project--in late April 2003.

To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources: 

• 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $30.2 million
• Other agency funds - $250,000
  Other funds provided by developer mitigation
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $30.5 million 

How can I get more information?
Contact:

WSDOT Design Engineer Sharif Shaklawun
15700 Dayton Avenue North
PO Box 330310, MS: 144
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4272
E-mail: ShaklaS@wsdot.wa.gov

or

WSDOT Communications Meghan Soptich
15700 Dayton Avenue North
PO Box 330310, MS: 103
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4704
E-mail: sopticm@wsdot.wa.gov

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