The SR 704 Cross-Base Highway 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, the environmental Record of Decision was issued, making WSDOT the lead agency on the project.
Since August, WSDOT has been hosting public meetings to share information and gather comments about the current status and what the public can expect from the highway project. A list of 10 Frequently Asked Questions are below.
Are you interested in learning more about SR 704 Cross-Base Highway? Project designers are available to meet with local neighborhood, civic and government groups to offer an overview of the project. WSDOT is also accepting comments on the project’s current design. If you would like the project team to visit your club or organization, please call WSDOT Olympic Region Communications at (360) 357-2703.
How will the Cross-Base highway affect the military base and security issues?
WSDOT is working closely with the military installations in the design of this project. The new highway will accommodate the future growth of both the McChord Air Force Base and Ft. Lewis Army Post. The project will also comply with the recommendations from the Base Relocation Alignment and Closure Committee (BRACC) to combine the operation of Ft. Lewis and McChord.
The mid-base interchange in particular will enhance the joint-base operation to be more efficiency and advance homeland security efforts.
What is WSDOT doing to protect environmental habitat such as the western gray squirrels and aquatic plants?
An environmental study was completed August 2004. The study was a tremendous effort by the project partners, stakeholders, and public to discover and identify environmental concerns. A course of action was developed to protect the environment and minimize the environmental impacts of the project.
Several environmental protection commitments are anticipated, including the following:
- Developing a 358-acre habitat to preserve and enhance plant life and wildlife.
- Providing five animal crossings to allow continued movement of wildlife within habitat zones.
- Providing modern facilities designed to enhance and filter storm water runoff from the roadway.
- Meeting or exceeding local and state requirements regarding erosion and sediment control, groundwater protection, pollutant control and stormwater treatment.
- Protecting the Central Pierce County sole-source aquifer.
- Providing barriers to reduce traffic noise on adjacent lands.
- Bridging wetlands to minimize impact.
How does the Cross-Base highway affect the growth of the neighboring communities.
Based on guidelines and principles of the Growth Management Act, the Cross Base highway was identified by the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Master Plan as an important missing east-west corridor in Pierce County. This project will link the future employment centers within the communities of Fredrickson, Dupont and Lakewood.
Will military neighbors that exercise horses in the area still be allowed to access the recreational area?
The Cross-Base highway will restrict direct access of equestrian communities to Fort Lewis. Recreational use of fort property may be allowed with permission from Fort Lewis. During and after construction of Cross-Base Highway, recreational access to Fort Lewis will be through a secure military checkpoint.
Where will there be noise barriers?
Noise abatement barriers will be provided at four locations. Two barriers, one on each side of the new highway will be provided through American Lake Gardens, north of 150th Street Southwest. A noise barrier will be provided on the north side of the new highway adjacent to American Lake Gardens, where it parallels Lakewood’s boundary. A noise barrier will also be provided on the north side of the project’s eastern end between Spanaway Loop Extension and State Route 7. The height and exact locations of the barrier will be determined after completion of final roadway design.
How will emergency services access American Lake Gardens?
If traveling from Lakewood or Tacoma, emergency service providers will exit I-5 at the Cross-Base Highway interchange and enter American Lake Gardens at the signalized intersections of 150th Street SW or Woodbrook Road. Multiple lanes, 8-foot shoulders and adequate turn lanes will ensure access to American Lake Gardens.
Why will 146th Street SW not intersect the Cross-Base Highway?
Designing roadways to work well in developed urban settings requires compromise. Considering the number and locations of connector roadways is a crucial element in first-rate traffic operations. Controlling and limiting the number of access points along highways is a cost-effective way to help maintain the safety, capacity, and functional integrity of these public investments. In the case of 146th Street, this roadway would intersect the new Cross-Base highway too close to the intended signalized intersection with the Interstate 5 freeway ramps at Thorne Lane.
Additionally, the new SR 704 (Thorne Lane) bridge over I-5 will be higher in elevation than the existing Thorne Lane bridge, in order to completely span over the top of the railroad tracks running parallel to I-5. This new roadway elevation will drop as the route transitions away from the freeway toward the 146th Street locale, however the new profile would likely not match well with 146th Street. Access to 146th Street from the Highway will be via the intersection with 150th Street. All things considered, the proposed connector at 150th Street will function much better than providing an additional connection at 146th Street.
Does WSDOT have future plans for 150th Street SW and Perimeter Road?
When the Cross-Base Highway opens to traffic, 150th Street will become a cul-de-sac at the Lakewood city limits. McChord Air Force Base intends to close Perimeter Road to traffic.
What is the zoning in the vicinity of the Cross-Base Highway?
Within American Lake Gardens, the City of Lakewood has zoned between Spring Street and Woodbrook as Industrial Business Park. The majority of the rest of American Lake Gardens is Residential or Multi Family. On the east end of the project, the area north of 176th Street is zoned by Pierce County as residential and Community Center.
How does the Cross-Base Highway fit into the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan?
The Pierce County Comprehensive Plan identifies Fredrickson and Lakewood Industrial Park as targeted employment centers. The Cross-Base Highway would provide the necessary link in the regional transportation system by connecting existing and future residential areas in mid-Pierce County and north Thurston County with two of the largest planned employment sites in Pierce County—Frederickson and DuPont. The proposed roadway would reduce projected traffic volumes and congestion, particularly during peak periods on existing roadways such as SR 7, SR 512, SR 507, and Spanaway Loop Road South. In 2002, the planned highway was designated SR 704 and “A Route of Regional Significance by the Washington State Legislature. In 2004, the Washington State Legislature designated SR 704 as a "Highway of Statewide Significance."
How and where will pedestrians and bicycles be accommodated?
Throughout the majority of the corridor, bicycles will be allowed to use the 8- or 10-foot shoulders. Pedestrians will be accommodated on a sidewalk through the interchange with I-5 down to the 146th Street highway crossing. At the intersection with SR 7, Pacific Ave, sidewalks and refuge islands will be placed where appropriate to match up with existing facilities.
How will Fort Lewis and McChord be accessed from the new Highway?
A new interchange will be built in the middle of the new highway to access Fort Lewis and McChord. McChord has recently completed the construction of the new commercial and private vehicle entry gates. The Cross-Base Highway will provide access to these gates. Access will also be provided to Fort Lewis. At the Highway intersection with 150th Street SW, a west turn will allow entry to Fort Lewis via the Logistics Center entrance.
Why are there traffic signals on the new Highway?
Full grade-separated interchanges are not warranted at the three planned traffic signal locations. 150th Street SW, Woodbrook Road, and Spanaway Loop Extension are best served with traffic signals. SR 7 is a signalized urban arterial so the Cross-Base Highway will terminate at a signal.
What will the speed limits be on the new Highway?
From I-5 to Woodbrook Road, the speed limit will be 35 or 40 mph. Between Woodbrook Road and Spanaway Loop Extension, the speed limit will be 50 mph. From Spanaway Loop Extension to SR 7, the speed limit will be 40 mph.