Project Facts
- This project is funded by the 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package.
- Reconfiguring the interchange will improve traffic flow and increase safety.
- Design is complete and the project is currently being advertised for bids.
November 2008
• Design is complete and the project is currently advertised for bids.
This project will reconfigure the US 395 / SR 240 interchange south of the "Blue Bridge" in Kennewick. The improvements include adding a second through-lane for southbound US 395 to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions.
Why is WSDOT
improving the interchange?
Currently, the interchange merges two heavily traveled state highways, US 395 and SR 240. Congestion and merge conflicts south of the bridge result in traffic accidents and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
The End Result
The revised interchange will allow smoother travel for motorists continuing south on US 395, and decrease conflicts in the interchange area. Improving this interchange will increase traffic mobility, efficiency, and will likely reduce the number of accidents. These improvements provide safer driving conditions for the public.
Project Benefits
- Safety. Conflicts and backups south of the Blue Bridge at the exit for US 395 have resulted in hundreds of accidents during the past several years. Reconfiguring this interchange will provide a reduction in accidents.
- Congestion relief. The "Blue Bridge" originally was designed to carry traffic to SR 240 but now the majority of southbound traffic continues on US 395. Merging and exiting on to US 395 creates conflicts at both ends of the bridge.
- Traffic Efficiency. The "Blue Bridge" is the primary travel route for traffic commuting from Pasco to Kennewick. As traffic volumes on the bridge increase annually, accidents and back-ups increase as well. The interchange must be reconfigured to improve travel efficiency and avoid long back-ups and unsafe conditions.
What is the project timeline?
Design work is complete on this project. No right of way acquisition will be necessary. All documentation is complete and all permits have been acquired. The project is being advertisded and will be opening bids in November. Construction is currently scheduled for 2009.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the WSDOT project design office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
The appropriate environmental documentation has been completed for the project to address potential environmental issues. Environmental issues have been 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
Reconfiguration of this interchange will provide a reduction in accidents. Sight distance and visibility will be improved, thus, improving traffic flow and safety. Washington State Patrol troopers consider this area dangerous due to limited visibility on this bridge.
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.
WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation Tribe, the Wanapum Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) during the project design.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $22.7 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $22.7 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:
Project Engineer, Moe Davari
WSDOT South Central Project Office
1655 Fowler Street
Richland, WA 99352
Phone: 509.222.2402
E-mail:DavariM@wsdot.wa.gov
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