November 2009
- This week's traffic impacts
- Construction continues as crews conduct excavation, embankment, and bridge work.
- Construction began September 8, 2009.
- WSDOT awarded the contract for this project on August 14 to Tapani Underground, Inc. of Battle Ground.
- You can find out where crews are working in Southwest Washington on our Construction Update Web page.
Overview
This project will be constructed in two stages.
Construction on Stage 1 began in September 2009. Stage 1 will improve safety and mobility by replacing the existing I-5 interchange at SR 501 in Ridgefield, widening SR 501 to two lanes in each direction, adding new turn lanes at the interchange and sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel.
Stage 2 will be constructed when funds become available. Stage 2 will make improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections, and add sidewalks near adjacent roadways for pedestrian and bicycle travel.
This project received stimulus funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This funding will allow WSDOT to construct the first stage of this project, which includes reconstruction of the interchange. The second stage of the project will make improvements to adjacent roadways.
Why is WSDOT
and the City of Ridgefield building 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 standard specifications, 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 its design. 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
Stage 1 of this project will replace the current interchange at I-5 and SR 501 in Ridgefield with a new interchange; widen SR 501 through the interchange to two lanes in each direction, add turn lanes at the interchange and sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel. When funded, stage 2 of this project will add sidewalks near adjacent roadways for pedestrian and bicycle travel and make improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections.
Project Benefits
- Safety: This project will improve safety in the interchange vicinity by widening the bridge over I-5 to two lanes in each direction, increasing turn lane storage, and by controlling access onto and off of SR 501 at the interchange.
- Congestion Relief: Replacing this interchange will improve mobility and provide better access from I-5 to the City of Ridgefield and surrounding Clark County.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Access: The pedestrian and bicycle connection on SR 501 across I-5 will be improved to provide safer and more efficient access.
- 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: Construction began on Stage 1, reconstruction of the interchange and sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel.
- Late 2011/early 2012: Stage 1 construction scheduled to be complete.
- When funding becomes available, stage 2 of this project will make improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections, and add sidewalks for for pedestrian and bicycle travel to adjacent roadways.
Financial Information
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding
(2005 Gas Tax) - $9.89 Million
- 2009 ARRA - $8.2 million
- Pre-Existing Funds - $2.86 Million
- Other funds (Utilities) - $148,000
- Total construction funding for Stage 1 - $21.1 Million
- Stage 2 of this project is not yet fully funded
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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