Project Facts
- Improvements will include a new interchange at US 12 / SR 124 intersection.
- Building an interchange will eliminate multiple highway access points to create a safer road.
- WSDOT will select a preferred alternative based on engineering, social, economic, and environmental considerations.
November 2008
• WSDOT found a suitable piece of property for exchange with McNary Wildlife Refuge and a purchase offer was accepted.
• Design is 60% complete and the project is scheduled to be advertised for bids in winter 2009. Construction should begin in 2010.
• Draft environmental and cultural studies are nearly complete.
This project will construct an interchange at the junction of US 12 and SR 124 at Burbank, and construct a bridge for Humorist Road to cross over US 12.
Why is WSDOT
constructing the interchange?
WSDOT is constructing the Burbank interchange to reduce the risk of collisions at the busy intersection of US 12 and SR 124. Constructing the Burbank interchange will improve safety, decrease congestion, and enhance economic vitality for the area.
The End Result
The new interchange will provide safer traffic flow between US 12 and SR 124, eliminate dangerous conflicts, and allow 60 mph travel speeds on US 12.
Project Benefits
- Safety. Constructing a new interchange eliminates the need for private highway access points, providing a safer highway. High speed traffic on US 12 will be separated from SR 124 traffic.
- Congestion relief. Currently the US 12/SR124 intersection is signalized. Congestion will be relieved by removing the signals. The interchange will provide safer free-flowing movement between the two state highways.
- Economic Vitality. An interchange at US 12 and SR 124 intersection provides the necessary hub for commercial vehicles and eliminates many safety concerns with the public.
- Environmental. WSDOT is analyzing interchange options to minimize environmental impacts while providing efficient traffic movement.
What is the project timeline?
Project design is underway on this project. WSDOT conducted a Value Engineering Study (VE Study) in April 2005 to thoroughly evaluate the problem, address multiple alternatives, and devise a detailed solution. Project construction is scheduled to begin in 2010.
Public Involvement
An Open House to discuss the current plans for this project was held on October 26, 2006, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Columbia Middle School cafeteria.
WSDOT hosted open houses in May 2005 in Burbank and Walla Walla to discuss progress on the US 12 corridor, interchange design alternatives and to answer questions. WSDOT is studying interchange options to determine the most desirable interchange location and configuration, while considering the concerns and ideas of interested citizens.
In March 2004, the first US 12 open houses were held in Burbank and Walla Walla. The majority of citizens felt an interchange at the existing SR 124 intersection was needed. Most citizens also felt the US 12 corridor from Burbank to Walla Walla needed safety improvements and that SR 124 should bridge over US 12.
In May of 2005, another open house in Burbank was conducted where four alternatives were presented.
In June of 2006, the Burbank Interchange was presented at the US12, Phase 6 Environmental Assessment Open House in Walla Walla. This was not the focus of the open house but was a good opportunity to present the current design to the public.
In October of 2006, we conducted another open house in Burbank where we presented the current design alternative, which will close Humorist Road intersection to the public again asking for comments and concerns.
In January of 2008, we presented the current alternative to the public as part of the US12 Phase 6, 7, & 8 open house connoted in Touchet. This project was not the focus of the meeting but provided another opportunity to present our project to the public.
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project design office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
The appropriate environmental documentation will be completed to address potential environmental issues for the project. As preliminary designs are refined, environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This interchange improves safety by decreasing congestion and eliminating highway access points. By constructing an overpass and ramps, WSDOT is providing a safer connection for the two state highways.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
During the project design, WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $26.8 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $26.8 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.
For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Development Branch Project Engineer, Jeff Minnick
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509-577-1704
E-mail:minnicj@wsdot.wa.gov
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