July 2008
- Construction remains on schedule, as crews continue construction of the bridge structure as well as the pouring of the bridge deck. Work also continues on retaining walls and traffic barrier.
- To learn more about traffic impacts associated with this project, visit our Travel Advisory Web page.
Overview
This project will construct a new I-5 interchange at SR 502 (NE 219th Street) in north Clark County. The interchange will ease congestion and improve safety both northbound and southbound on I-5, improve safety at the NE 179th Street interchange by reducing congestion, improve safety on I-5 by reducing weaving between the junction of I-5 and I-205 and the existing exit, and help improve access to Battle Ground.
Why is WSDOT
building this interchange?
When constructed, this new interchange will provide an additional access point from SR 502 to I-5. The new SR 502 connection also will reduce travel times by shortening the route and provide a more direct connection to I-5, a controlled access highway.
The End Result
The new connection from I-5 to SR 502 will improve mobility along I-5 through north Clark County. Safety at the I-5/NE 179th interchange will be further improved by reducing the number of vehicles on the northbound off ramp, and by reducing lane change conflicts between NE 179th Street and the I-5/I-205 junction.
Project Background
In 2001, WSDOT completed a 2-year study of the I-5/I-205 interstate corridor. As part of that study, the short- and long-term interstate and interchange needs in the north Clark County area were identified. Many Clark County businesses and residents participated in development of that plan, which recommended a new I-5 interchange near NE 219th Street, in the vicinity of the Gee Creek rest area.
Following this I-5/I-205 North Corridor Plan, WSDOT considered several alternatives for a new I-5/SR 502 interchange. After an extensive public involvement process, WSDOT selected a recommended operational alternative that served as a starting point for the SR 502 Interchange Project's Environmental Assessment.
Project Benefits
- Safety: This project will reduce the number of vehicles backing up on the northbound off ramp of the current NE 179th Street interchange, and it will reduce lane change conflicts between the NE 179th Street interchange and the I-5/I-205 junction.
- Congestion Relief: These improvements will reduce travel times by providing a more direct connection from I-5 to SR 502 and the city of Battle Ground.
What is the project timeline?
- Fall 2003: Environmental Assessment Open House and Scoping Meeting.
- Fall 2003 - Winter 2004: Evaluated Alternatives.
- Spring 2004: Open House and Public Discussion of Recommended Build Alternative(see press release). WSDOT discussed the alternatives evaluation process with the public.
- Summer/Fall 2005: Public review of the Environmental Assessment took place. The public and agency comment period was from August 17-September 16, 2005. An open house was held on September 1 at the Battle Ground High School cafeteria (see Public Participation page for more information). The Executive Summary (.pdf) of the Environmental Assessment is available for review.
The Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (pdf 2.3MB) on October 12, 2005.
- Fall/Winter 2005: Final design complete
- Summer/Fall 2005 - Fall 2006: Right-of-Way Acquisition
- Feb. 2007 - Contract was awarded to Kerr Contractors, Inc. of Woodburn, Ore.
- April 2007 - Construction began April 9
- Summer 2009: Construction scheduled to be complete
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. This project was recently on display at several open houses, including March 27, May 9 and June 14. Each Open House was an opportunity to learn more about the project and traffic impacts during construction.
A Groundbreaking Event for the SR 502 Interchange Project was held Thursday, April 12.
A wide variety of public involvement efforts have occurred as part of this project. For detailed information about these efforts, please visit our Public Participation information.
WSDOT has notified all affected property owners. In August 2004, WSDOT met with property owners about the project.On March 24, 2005, WSDOT hosted a combined open house and access hearing for affected property owners.
For the latest public involvement meetings in Southwest Washington, visit the Southwest Region's Public Involvement page.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT is committed to preserving the environment and makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impact from its projects. In August 2005, WSDOT completed an Environmental Assessment for this project. This assessment determined what the potential impacts of possible alignments would be on the environment (natural, ecological, social and economic); evaluated options for lessening these impacts; and determined necessary regulatory approvals. The Executive Summary (pdf 266 kb) of the Environmental Assessment is available for review on this Web page by clicking the words “Executive Summary” in this sentence or by looking for the link under “Documents” in the left navigation bar. The Environmental Assessment will help guide final design and construction.
Once construction begins, there are two components to WSDOT's erosion control and water quality protection efforts: temporary measures during construction activities and permanent measures for when the project is completed. WSDOT incorporates "Best Management Practices" to reduce environmental impacts on water quality and provide erosion control at the construction site. These practices include covering disturbed soil to prevent erosion, and using silt fences, straw bales, and inlet filters to prevent sediment from leaving the work site.
Permanent erosion control and water quality measures will be addressed with the construction of drainage structures, swales, and infiltration ponds that collect and filter storm water run-off from the highway. This interchange project also may provide opportunities to improve wetland habitat in the area.
For environmental information specific to this project, please contact Erin Gardner at (360) 905-2185, or e-mail GARDNEE@wsdot.wa.gov.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
This project will improve safety by reducing the number of vehicles backing up on the northbound off ramp of the current I-5/NE 179th Street interchange, and it will reduce lane change conflicts between the NE 179th Street interchange and the I-5/I-205 junction.
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.
This project lies within the usual and accustomed areas of the Cowlitz Tribe. WSDOT initiated consultation with the Cowlitz Tribe in October 2003, and tribal members attended the October 21, 2003 project scoping meeting and open house. In November 2003, WSDOT invited the Cowlitz Tribe to help identify any cultural resources important to the Tribe that could be disturbed by the project.
In 2005, a Memorandum of Agreement between WSDOT, the Cowlitz Tribe, the Federal Highway Administration and the Washington State Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation was developed. This agreement outlines the protocol for how to handle unanticipated discovery of cultural resources.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.
Financial Information
Nickel Funding: $51.4 million
Local Funding (Motor Vehicle Account): $378,000
Total Estimated Project Cost: $52 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Area Engineer Chris Tams
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Project Office
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98682-6686
Phone: 360-759-1310
E-mail: swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications Manager Sylvia Ross
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: RossSy@wsdot.wa.gov
or access our project feedback form.
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