May 2012
- Construction on Stage 2 is under way. Crews are building the west roundabout and are doing excavation and utility work for the east roundabout.
- The Ridgefield Junction park and ride is closed for the duration of construction. Nearby options include a park and ride lot in Woodland (I-5, Exit 21) and the C-TRAN park and ride in Salmon Creek (I-205, Exit 36).
- Crews will complete minor landscaping work for Stage 1 in spring 2012.
Overview
This project is being constructed in two stages. Construction on Stage 1 started in September 2009, and Stage 2 starts construction April 30, 2012.
Stage 1 replaced the existing I-5 interchange at SR 501 in Ridgefield with a new bridge and improved on- and off-ramps. The project also widened SR 501 to two lanes in each direction, and added new turn lanes and sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel along SR 501.
Construction on Stage 2 begins April 30. Stage 2 builds roundabouts and makes other improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections. Crews will build additional sidewalks to connect to those built under Stage 1.
This project received stimulus funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This funding allowed WSDOT to move Stage 1 to construction. Stage 2 is funded by local agencies.
Why is WSDOT
collaborating with the City of Ridgefield on this project?
Travel demand in the I-5/SR 501 interchange vicinity for both regional bi-state travel and local access is expected to reach its capacity by 2016. As the volume of traffic using the interchange increases, it will result in congestion during peak travel periods. Growth in the Ridgefield area has been significant and recent land use changes are likely to add to that growth.
Pedestrian and bicycle connections at the interchange do not currently meet standards, and will be improved in this project. The new interchange will provide safer pedestrian and bicycle movement across I-5.
Our Partners
The City of Ridgefield, with support from the Port of Ridgefield, is the lead agency on this project, and has played a significant role in securing funding for the design and Right-of-Way Acquisition process. WSDOT is overseeing the design work, environmental analysis, right of way acquisition, and construction administration to ensure it meets state and federal requirements.
As a cost-savings measure, WSDOT included options in the construction contract for this project that would allow the contractor to dispose of fill dirt at alternative locations, including the Port of Ridgefield's waterfront clean up site.
The End Result
Traffic flow improves at the I-5/SR 501 interchange. Drivers on SR 501 will have two lanes in each direction and turn lanes. Roundabouts will keep traffic moving at the intersections of SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/ 65th Avenue. New sidewalks improve bicycle and pedestrian access.
Project Benefits
- Safety: Widens the bridge over I-5 to two lanes in each direction, increases turn lane storage and controls access onto and off of SR 501 at the interchange.
- Congestion relief: Improves mobility and provides better access from I-5 to the City of Ridgefield and surrounding Clark County.
- Bicycle and pedestrian access: Builds sidewalks to improve access and bike/ped safety.
- Jobs: We estimate this project will support approximately 195 direct and indirect jobs in local communities.
What is the project timeline?
- November 2005: Design, environmental and right of way processes began.
- September 2009: Design, environmental and right of way processes expected to be complete.
- September 8, 2009: Stage 1 construction began.
- August 17, 2010: New SR 501 bridge opened to traffic.
- Summer 2011: Stage 1 construction scheduled to be complete.
- April 30, 2012: Stage 2 construction scheduled to begin.
- Fall 2012: Stage 2 expected to be complete.
Financial Information
| Financial Data for PIN 400506I |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$12,710 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$11,212 |
| Total |
$23,922 |
|
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Chris Tams
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Area Office
P.O. Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-759-1310, or toll-free at 1-866-279-0730
E-mail: swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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