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Project Title & Location
US 12/SR 124 to McNary Pool – Add Lanes –
Tri-Cities (Phase 2) MP 295.3 to MP 298.9
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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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Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded
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Recent Progress
The design phase is in progress. The regional Real Estate Services office is in the process of acquiring access rights and properties. 27 of a total of 62 parcels have been acquired. The region is evaluating several interchange concepts for a future US 12/ SR 124 Interchange. As part of this evaluation and for general public information on the Phase 2 project, we will be holding a public open house on March 29 and 30. The open house will allow the community to comment on the interchange concepts and have their questions answered on the Phase 2 project. A Cost Risk Assesment (CRA) was performed on Phase 2 on March 4, 2004. The results indicate a 90% chance of the project being within budget, a 55% chance the contract will go to advertisement on time and over 80% chance of the improvement will be open to traffic on time. The Project Definition is in HQ awaiting approval.
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Design Construction Impacts
The Project Office has finalized the revisions to the right of way plans and the new plans were approved by Headquarters on March 12, 2004. Due to some refinement of the right of way needs by the Project Office, right of way acquisition is planned to be within budget.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The Environmental Assessment is being updated. A Section 106 study to evaluate areas not covered in original report was completed in February 2004. A Noise Study was completed in October 2003. Noise mitigation is not anticipated. We are consulting with the appropriate tribes and agencies, per Section 106 guidelines.
A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit may be required for storm water discharge.
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Impacts to Traffic
The new lanes will be constructed parallel to and westerly of the existing alignment. We anticipate minimal impacts to the traveling public during construction
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