SR 704 - Cross-Base Highway Project

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2004

Project Title & Location
SR 704 - Cross Base Highway, Spanaway

Project Description
When completed this project will provide a direct east-west highway connecting I-5 and SR 7. The Cross-Base Highway will be a new six mile, four lane limited access highway with four signalized intersections and two new interchanges.

Contractor/Consultant
This project not yet advertised or awarded

Recent Progress

Engineers are beginning project designs.  The first WSDOT public meetings were held in November.  Conceptual stormwater design is underway.  Geotechnical drilling to determine soil types is 50% complete.  Land surveying is 90% complete.  Pierce County is encountering difficulty obtaining the Roy Enhancement Site.

Design Construction Impacts
This project will construct a new highway connecting I-5 and SR 7. To accommodate the I-5 connection, the project will modify the Thorne Lane interchange. A new southbound connector roadway will link Gravelly Lake Drive to Thorne Lane to minimize construction impacts on interstate traffic. The Thorne Lane interchange reconstruction will be accomplished south of the existing interchange, allowing motorists to use the existing facility during construction of the new Thorne Lane bridge over the Interstate.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

During the EIS phase, the selected alternative was chosen because it avoids many sensitive areas and built constraints.  The roadway will curve to avoid many sensitive natural areas. In locations where impacts are not avoidable, designs will minimize impacts to the environment by use of retaining walls and bridges.

Impacts to Traffic

Project designs will incorporate sound traffic management practices in order to minimize impacts to motorists. 

Project Milestones Scheduled Attained Milestone Outlook
Record of Decision June 25, 2004  August 2004 This milestone has been accomplished
Public Information 2004 - 2005   WSDOT has implemented a public information program, including monthly open houses.  On track.
30 Percent Design Summer 2005 WSDOT is on track to meet this milestone.  Design is underway. 
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $15.0 100.0%
Right-of-Way $ 0.0   0.0%
Construction $ 0.0   0.0%
Funded Project Costs $15.0 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

$15.0 100.0%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

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