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Project Title & Location
US 12/SR 124 to McNary Pool – Add Lanes –
Tri-Cities (Phase 2) MP 295.2 to MP 299.3
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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.
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Recent Progress
The Contractor began work on January 3, 2005. On May 31, 2005, the two new US 12 eastbound lanes were opened to traffic. Work continued through June toward completing construction of the new westbound acceleration / deceleration lanes, improving intersection radii, milling and paving the existing westbound US 12 lanes, and installing the permanent signals.
WSDOT and the US Highway 12 Coalition hosted an Open House to celebrate progress on the US 12 corridor projects on May 11th in Burbank and May 12th in Walla Walla.
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Design Construction Impacts
Construction has progressed well. Potential project delays, due to signal pole materials procurement problems, have been avoided by use of a temporary signal at the US 12 / Humorist Road intersection.
Paving operations are mostly complete. Permanent signal and other miscellaneous work will continue through July. All major work is expected to be completed by late July or early August. Work will then likely be suspended until seeding operations can be completed in early October.
We anticipate additional costs based upon quantity changes. The primary reason is a substantial increase in crushed surfacing due to unanticipated loss of the rock in the sandy subgrade. The predicted additional costs should be covered by the contingency funding.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
An Environmental Assessment, a Section 106 study and a noise study were completed. There were no adverse impacts created by this project.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has confirmed that the "Talent Ruling" will not affect this project.
A National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit has been acquired for construction of this project.
Regional Construction staff, with support from Regional Environmental staff, continue to work with Contractor personnel to ensure compliance.
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Impacts to Traffic
Impacts to the traveling public have increased due to work on the existing westbound lanes.
WSDOT, WSP, and Steelman-Duff have worked with local businesses and schools, to minimize traffic impacts by adjusting work activities during peak hours. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times during construction.
Five accidents, including a fatality, have occurred within the work zone. WSDOT, the Contractor and the WSP continue to communicate and work together to minimize disruptions to the travelling public and to provide a work zone that is as safe as possible.
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