Project Facts
- A series of two contracts.
- Constructs four driveable lanes from Farwell to Wandermere.
- Full Interchange connecting the NSC to US 2.
November/December 2008
The 1st contract for this project (and the 7th in a series of 8 funded jobs for the NSC), "
NSC-US 2 Lowering," was awarded to Graham Construction of Spokane in October, 2008 with major work getting underway in 2009.
This project is funded from the 2003 Legislative Transportation Package. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2008 with the two contracts expected to be complete by 2011.
Ongoing work in the Project Office includes developing bridge and retaining wall designs, continuing hydraulic design, desigining frontage roads and preparing preliminary contract plan sheets.
Why is WSDOT
building the North Spokane Corridor?
This project addresses the need for a major improvement to allow motorists and freight to move through metropolitan Spokane along the corridor from I-90 to US 395 at Wandermere. The needs of the corridor are indicated by increasing congestion and other operational and safety issues on the existing street network. The project will provide a facility for balanced transportation including park and ride lots to support transit and vanpooling operations, as well as an expanded and enhanced pedestrian/bicycle facility. Right of way will also be reserved for possible light rail use.
The End Result
When completed, the North Spokane Corridor will be a 60-mile per hour, limited access highway with a direct connection to I-90 just west of the existing Thor/Freya Interchange. Other interchanges will be placed at locations such as Trent Avenue (SR 290), Wellesley Avenue, Francis / Freya Street, Parksmith Drive, US 2, and US 395 at Wandermere.
Constructs four new drivable lanes of the North Spokane Corridor between Farwell Road and Wandermere including a new connection to US 395 at Wandermere. Constructs an interchange at US 2. This project will increase capacity and reduce travel time. There will be four lanes when this project is completed.
This project is one component of the 10.5-mile North Spokane Corridor and will be comprised of two major construction contracts.
Project Benefits
Consider the following benefits:
- Able to travel between Wandermere and I-90 in less than 12 minutes.
- A free flowing facility which doesn't have conflicts with schools, parks, shopping areas or pedestrians. But has reasonable access to these areas.
- Fewer trucks will be on the local streets because they will use the freeway for north/south through movements.
- Cleaner air because you aren't stopping at intersections along the way.
- A safe bike/pedestian corridor which connects to other established bikepaths as well as the neighborhoods along the way.
- Increased jobs due to construction spending in the community and increased economic vitality.
What is the project timeline?
Design efforts have been underway on segments of this project for several years. In 2002, a drainage and grading contract was completed in the vicinity of Hawthorne Road to Farwell Road. During the 2003 legislative session, construction funding was allocated to this project. Right-of-Way acquisition is underway. Final design work starts in 2005 with construction beginning on the first contract of this project in 2008.
Construction contracts within this project comprise the following:
• US 2 Lowering - This project will lower US 2 from the vicinity of Farwell Road to Deadman Creek to accommodate the North Spokane Corridor interchange with US 2. This will include the realignment of Shady Slope Road and construct eight bridges. This contract will get underway in mid 2008 and be complete by mid 2011.
• US 2 to Wandermere - This project will complete a drivable link between US 2 and Wandermere through the construction of paving and two bridges. This contract will get underway in mid 2008 and be complete in early 2010.
Public Involvement
Numerous public meetings, open houses, and formal hearings regarding this project have been held over the past 10 years. Additional neighborhood meetings, presentations, and open houses continue to be held on a regular basis.
WSDOT is currently working with neighborhood groups who are helping to develop a Roadside Master Plan. This plan will be used to establish architectural themes along the corridor as it traverses the neighborhoods. You are invited to participate.
Interested citizens should contact the project engineer's office listed below or WSDOT Eastern Region Public Affairs at (509) 324-6015.
Environmental Protection
The project has undergone extensive environmental review, including preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Historically, arterials such as Division Street have had accident rates of up to 3½ times that of a facility similar to the proposed North Spokane Corridor. As traffic continues to increase in neighborhoods and school zones, there is an increasing potential for accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Upon the completion of the NSC, it has been estimated there will be a reduction of over 700 accidents per year. This reduction translates into a societal cost savings of over $22 million per year.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
The WSDOT has worked closely with area Tribal officials to identify and avoid culturally sensitive areas within the corridor as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $105.4 million
- State Special C - $28.2 million
- State and Local MVA $749,300
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $134.3 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Larry Larson
WSDOT Project Office
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA 99207
Phone: (509) 324-6091
E-mail: SR395NSC@wsdot.wa.gov
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