SR 704 - Cross-Base Highway Project

Quarterly Project Report Update for Quarter Ending September 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

Design Concurrence package submitted August 2005.  Conceptual storm water design is underway. Geotechnical drilling continues.  Acquired $7.2 million in funding through recent Federal re-authorization known as SafeTeaLu, and $3.2 million in federal funds awarded to the project under Pierce County's lead.  Actively developing alternatives suitable to the needs of Fort Lewis and McChord based on recent recommendation to combine bases.

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 Spring 2006   WSDOT is on track to meet this milestone.  Design is underway. 
Initiate Right of  Way Phase Winter 2006 WSDOT is on track to meet this milestone. 
Project Cost Summary: Dollars in
millions
Percent
of Total

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

Preliminary Engineering $26.5 65.4%
Right-of-Way $ 3.2 7.9%
Construction $10.8   26.7%
Funded Project Costs $40.5 100.0%

Nickel funds included in above costs

$15.0 37.0%

2005 Transportation Partnership Account

$15.0 37.0%

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

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