November 2009
WSDOT completes first SR 704 Cross Base Highway segment
Photos of ribbon-cutting ceremony
Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and elected officials celebrated the completion of the first Cross Base project Aug. 26, 2009.
Project 1, Spanaway Loop Road to SR 7
Construction began in July 2008 and is substantially complete. Ceccanti, Inc. is the contractor.
Current work
The contractor is performing clean-up at this time and planting begins in the fall.
What does Project 1 do?
Project 1 connects Spanaway Loop Road to SR 7, drastically improving safety and mobility. New dual right-turn lanes from Spanaway Loop Road to southbound SR 7 and dual left-turn lanes from SR 7 to Spanaway Loop Road ease back-ups during peak travel times.
Why is WSDOT
building SR 704?
The project is intended to improve transportation system linkage and capacity between Pierce County and destinations along the I-5 corridor for the efficient movement of people and goods.
On Aug. 3, 2004 the environmental Record of Decision (pdf 284 kb) was issued by FHWA, making WSDOT the lead agency on the project.
This project will address the following needs:
- Reduce traffic volumes and congestion on existing roadways such as SR 7, SR 512, SR 507, Spanaway Loop Road, and 174th Street South.
- Provide a direct arterial link in the mid-Pierce County area in proximity with the Cities of Lakewood and DuPont for the movements of vehicles, public transit, freight, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
- Improve public safety by providing faster and direct emergency vehicle access between Pierce County and medical facilities such as Madigan Army Hospital.
- Improve access to and between the military installations by providing an exclusive roadway between Fort Lewis Military Reservation and McChord Air Force Base.
The End Result
When complete, the Cross-base Highway (SR 704) will provide regional travelers with a new six-mile-long, multi-lane divided highway beginning at the I-5 Thorne Lane Interchange at the west end, connecting to 176th Street at SR 7 at the east end.
This new alternate east-west route will ease congestion on I-5, SR 512, SR 7 and Spanaway Loop Road by providing a route through the Fort Lewis and McChord military bases.
Project Benefits
- Congestion Relief. The I-5 corridor, SR 512, and SR 7, along with county roads, will experience congestion relief and reduced delays as a result of this new project.
- Safety. This new highway will be designed to modern safety standards with full-width lanes and shoulders. The new interchange at Thorne Lane on I-5 will improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
- Environmental Benefits. This project will meet or exceed the latest environmental standards, including the development of a 358-acre habitat to protect and enhance the environment.
What is the project timeline?
The SR 704 Cross-base Highway is divided into five independent projects. Construction on Project 1, Spanaway Loop Rd to SR 7, began in July 2008. The four remaining projects are in the design phase.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $15,019, 024
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $14,999,999
- Other Agency Funds - $12,933,875 High Priority - SAFETEA-LU ($6,120,024), Highway Demonstration Project ($1,475,892), Public Lands Highways - FFY 1992 ($684,708), STP - Urban Areas less than 200,000 Population($2,500,001), Interstate Discretionary ($2,125,000)
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $42,952,898
The total estimated cost for the project is $318 million (based on 2006 dollars).
A benefit/cost analysis was completed in April 2007.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Cross-base project information other than Project 1:
John Ho, Project Engineer
WSDOT
P.O. Box 47376
Olympia, WA 98504-7376
Phone: 360-709-8155
Construction information on Project 1, Spanaway Loop Road to SR7:
Neal Uhlmeyer, Project Engineer
WSDOT Lacey Project Office
7912 Martin Way, Suite E
PO Box 47448
Lacey, WA 98516-5703
Phone: 360-412-3420
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