SR 543 - I-5 to Canadian Border - Additional Lanes for Freight

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2003

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
Documents for purchasing the additional land needed have been finalized.  Real estate aquisition will begin in January.

Design Construction Impacts
Real estate aquisition will begin in January and is projected to take 22 months.  If the aquisition takes as long as it is expected to, it will affect the contract advertisment date.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance
An Environmental Assessment has been completed with a finding of "no significant impact".  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 in 2005 and take two years to complete.  At least one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained.

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Start Project July 1998
Environmental Documentation January 2002 Finding of No Significant Impact.
Begin Buying Right of Way Janunary 2004
Contract Advertisement April 2005 May be delayed if all the right-of-way has not been purchased.
Start Construction June 2005
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)
Project Expenditure Chart

Preliminary Engineering $4.1 m 12.6%
Right-of-Way $2.9 m 8.9%
Construction $25.5 m 78.5%
Funded Project Costs $32.5 m 100%

Nickel funds included in above costs

$19.1 m 58.8%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

  For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects