Project Title & Location

US 12/SR 124 to McNary Pool – Add Lanes –
Tri-Cities (Phase 2)     MP 295.2 to MP 299.3

Project Description
This project is the second phase of five phases that will reconstruct US 12 as a four lane divided highway from SR 124 to the Walla Walla River, and plan for the future four-laning from the Wallula Junction to Walla Walla.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded

Recent Progress
The design phase is in progress.  The regional Real Estate Services office is acquiring access rights and properties.  32 of a total of 62 parcels have been acquired.  The region is finalizing an analysis of several interchange concepts for a future US 12/ SR 124 Interchange.   The Project Definition has been approved.

Design Construction Impacts

Based on on-going regional analysis of highway intersections, the US 12/SR 124 intersection will warrant a signal one year after the additional lanes are open to traffic.  This work was not in the original project scope.  We believe it is timely and cost efficient to install the signal as part of this contract,  and we have added the new signal installation to the project.   This work can be accomplished within the existing project budget.

Three irrigation structures need to be altered to allow for the new lanes.  To ensure this critical work is completed prior to the main widening construction,  the irrigation improvements will be constructed under a separate, earlier contract.   This work will be accomplished during the irrigation off-season,  to minimize impacts to irrigation customers. This separate contract will begin and end prior to the main widening construction and will be accomplished within the existing project budget.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The Environmental Assessment is being updated.  A  Section 106 study was completed in February 2004.  Cultural monitoring will likely be required.  A Noise Study was completed in October 2003;  no noise abatement is required.

We are awaiting a ruling from the US Army Corps of Engineers on impacts of the "Talent Ruling".  The "Talent Ruling" is a court ruling that potentially changes the jurisdiction of certain ditches or canals that form a connection between a navigable water of the U.S. and another waterbody.  Additional permitting may be required, possibly delaying the advertisement date.

Impacts to Traffic

The new lanes will be constructed parallel to and westerly of the existing roadway.  We anticipate minimal impacts to the traveling public during construction.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account