SR 704 - Cross-Base Highway Project

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending September 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
The completion of the environmental impact statement process was signified by the receipt of the record of decision in August. With that milestone, WSDOT has officially taken the lead project role, beginning preliminary design. A preliminary agreement was reached with Pierce County to transfer more than $5 million in grant funds to WSDOT. Pierce County is pursuing the acquisition of an environmental enhancement site near Roy.

Design Construction Impacts
This project will construct a new highway connecting I-5 and SR 7. To accomodate 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

The Record of Decision was delayed from June to August 2004 as Pierce County engineers addressed impacts the project will have on a bald eagle that recently created a nest on the proposed alignment. 

Impacts to Traffic

Project designs will incorporate sound traffic managment 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 will implement a public information program, including newsletters and open houses as design progresses.
30 Percent Design Summer 2005 WSDOT is ready 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