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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 future high-capacity transportation.

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.  This project will be developed in two major phases: 

Phase 1 - Spokane River North to establish the corridor from the River to US 395 at Wandermere.

Phase 2 - Spokane River South to extend the corridor between I-90 and the Spokane River. Phase 2 will also include a Collector/Distributor (C/D) system (of six lanes) along I-90 between the Liberty Park and Sprague Avenue Interchanges.

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 pedestian/bike 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?

Phase 1 – Spokane River North

• In April 1997 the Final Environmental Impact Statement, six years in preparation, was completed by WSDOT and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
• Summer 2000, approval of the Limited Access and Right-of-Way Plans and also approval by FHWA of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.
• On August 22, 2001, construction began on the first construction element, a grading and drainage contract, from the vicinity of Hawthorne Road to US 2.  The project was completed in July, 2002.
• July 2003, $189 million appropriated through nickel increase in gasoline tax. Two projects to be built, Francis Avenue to Farwell Road and US 2 to Wandermere and US 2 Lowering.
• 2009-$28 million was allocated by the Legislature for re-design and right of way aquisition from the Spokane river to Francis Avenue.

Phase 2 – Spokane River South

• Design/Access Hearings were held on February 26, 2003.
• An environmental re-evaluation of the April 1997 FEIS document was approved in May, 2005 by the FHWA.  The Findings and Order was adopted in July, 2005 and the final limited access was established in October, 2005.
• 2005-$152 million allocated from the Transportation Partnership package for the North Spokane Corridor.
  

How long will it take to build the NSC?

This is a frequently asked question.  The answer is:  It depends on funding commitments from the State of Washington and the Federal Highway Administration.  See the Financial Information section below for current funding levels.  Because future funding levels are unpredictible, the exact construction project schedule cannot be determined.

Financial Information
 

• Current Project Funding - The design, construction, and right-of-way projects that are currently underway are funded through the following sources:

• 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $152 Million
• 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $325 Million
• 2009 Transportation package - $28 million
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $505 million
  

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• Overall Corridor Funding Status as of October 2007 - Since 1990, through the environmental, right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction phases, the WSDOT has been allocated $532 million.  Of that amount $161 million has been expended in those categories and approximately $370 million remains.  Those dollars are funding the current series of construction contracts, right-of-way purchases, and design.
  
• Full Corridor Estimated Project Cost - $1.6 billion in 2008 dollars.  Over a 20-year build out plan with estimated risk and inflation variables included the cost is $3.0 billion.  These values are subject to price escalation due to market trends in commodities (oil, steel, concrete), construction costs, real estate prices, etc. 

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• Estimate Revisions - WSDOT revises these estimates on an annual basis with a risk assessment process and adjusts them accordingly.
  

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer Larry Larson P.E.
WSDOT Project Office
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA 99207
Phone: (509) 324-6091
E-mail: SR395NSC@wsdot.wa.gov

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