SR 704 - Cross-Base Highway Project

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending December 2005

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

Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP) workshop was conducted in September 2005.  Project Management Plan is being actively prepared, with initial endorsement meeting taking place in November 2005.  Parcel research is underway for the Right of Way plan preparation.  Multiple alternatives for the mid-base interchange presented to Fort Lewis and McChord AFB to reflect recent recommendation to operate as a joint base.

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.
Design Approval Summer 2006   Milestone rescheduled to reflect schedule revision. 
Initiate Right of  Way Phase Fall 2006 Milestone rescheduled to reflect schedule revision. 
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $27.43 66.2%
Right-of-Way $ 3.2 7.7%
Construction $10.8   26.1%
Funded Project Costs $41.43 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

$15.0 36.2%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

$15.0 36.2%

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

Gordon Roycroft, Project Engineer, (360) 570-6663, roycrog@wsdot.wa.gov.