Project Title & Location
SR 543 - I-5 to Canadian Border - Additional Lanes for Freight

Project Description
Constructs new lanes between Boblett Street and the Canadian border for a separate truck route to address congestion and safety issues on SR 543. Constructs a new interchange at "D" Street. There are currently two lanes. There will be four lanes when this project is completed.

Contractor/Consultant
David Evans & Associates are the design consultants.

Recent Progress

R/W acquisition consultant agreement approved.  Real estate acquisition began in February.

A test shaft project to examine possible cost savings during construction is being implemented on the project.  The Test Shaft Project went to advertisement in mid-June, with construction anticipated in July.

Design Construction Impacts
Real estate acquisition began late February and was originally projected to take 22 months.  Turnkey consultants were retained to accelerate right of way acquisition, and have been recovering schedule to this point.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

An initial Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed with a finding of "no significant impact" issued in Sept. 2001.  Recent design modifications require that the EA be updated. 

Stormwater systems will be upgraded to modern standards.  Wetland impacts will be mitigated with a replacement area within the same drainage basin.

Impacts to Traffic
Construction is currently planned to start late 2005 early 2006 and take two years to complete.  At least one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account