Project Facts
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An annual travel time saving from this project are estimated at 90,000 hours worth $1 million.
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As traffic continues to increase there is a greater potential for accidents. Upon the completion of this corridor project, it has been estimated, there will be a reduction of over 47 accidents per year. This reduction translates into a societal cost savings of 1.5 million annually.
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More than $5 billion worth of commodities are transported along
the US 395 corridor, due to the North American Free Trade Act. This highway improvement project will enhance our ability to move goods through Eastern Washington more efficiently.
2008
• Summer 2001, the four-lane, divided highway and Hatch Road Interchange construction project “US 395 Little Spokane River to Halfmoon Road“
(MP 167.00 to 172.60) was completed and opened to traffic. No other construction projects are currently scheduled.
• Spring 2007 a project to add turn lanes at Wildrose Rd. will be under construction.
Why is WSDOT
improving US 395
The primary purpose of this project is to improve capacity and safety on this 12-mile section of highway. We plan to do this by widening US 395 from a two-lane to a four-lane facility and by constructing a divided highway with a 60-foot wide median configuration. These two additional lanes will reduce congestion and improve safety by reducing rear end collisions. The added median will improve safety by reducing head-on collisions. US 395 is a major north-south transport link, which moves people and goods between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. This highway supporting regional and local commerce, serves as a major commuter route connecting the City of Spokane to the rapidly developing northern residential communities of Deer Park, Chewelah and Colville. Improvements to capacity will allow motorists to move more safely and efficiently along this corridor.
The End Result
This project will add a general-purpose lane in each direction and will provide a 60-foot wide median to separate opposing traffic. Highway access will be improved by consolidating entry points, which in turn, will improve safety and traffic flow. Drivers in the Deer Park area will get on and off the highway facility via new grade separated interchanges. A network of frontage roads connecting these proposed interchanges will be provided.
Project Benefits
Increased safety and less congestion.
What is the project timeline?
August 1999, an environmental assessment for US 395 from Spokane to Canada was completed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
Summer 2001, the preceding four-lane divided highway and Hatch Road Interchange construction project to the south “ US 395 Little Spokane River to Halfmoon Road” (MP 167.00 to 172.60) was completed and opened to traffic.
The US 395 Route Development Plan for Spokane to the Stevens County Line was completed in July 2002. Endorsement and adoption by various stakeholders is in progress.
Public Involvement
The WSDOT Eastern Region Planning Department held a Stakeholders Meeting in June 2001, to present three design alternatives under consideration and to ask for public comments. Comments made by the public assisted the WSDOT in selecting the present preferred design alternative. The Department also attended a Deer Park Chamber of Commerce meeting in September 2002 to share information about the US 395 Route Development Plan and future development on this section of US 395.
Environmental Protection
An environmental assessment for the entire US 395 corridor was completed in August 1999 to address potential environmental issues. As preliminary designs are refined, any new environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This section of US 395 is a two-lane, non-divided rural highway with a history of collision problems due to the high traffic volumes (on some sections nearly 15,000 vehicles per day). Head-on collisions spurred in part by improper passing, driver fatigue or driving impairment have resulted in many serious accidents. This project would substantially improve safety by creating a divided highway with a 60-foot wide median and an additional lane in each direction. Collisions involving vehicles entering the roadway would also be reduced as highway access points are limited and upgraded.
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.
Financial Information
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $0
- Unfunded amount Remaining - $97,703,414
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Ken Olson
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA 99207
(509) 324-6141
Email: OlsonK@wsdot.wa.gov
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