WSDOT - 2003 Project Highlights

This 2003 Construction Highlights Report marks the third year of WSDOT’s efforts to share examples of the variety of projects constructed in different conditions and environments across the state. WSDOT has just wrapped up a season of construction projects to improve Washington’s state highways and interstate freeways. Between January 1 and August 31, WSDOT and its contractors have had 146 projects underway. For these projects, the total of WSDOT engineer’s estimates was $620 million. The total of winning contractor’s bids was $603 million.

This year we’ve fine-tuned our project evaluation standards for this Highlight report in recognition that design, construction management, schedule and budget are all closely interrelated. Even a good construction team may have trouble bringing in a project on schedule and budget if problems emerge from the project design. Or, if the construction contractor and WSDOT fail to work together well, even a well-designed project may slip behind schedule. And sometimes, budgets and schedules may have to be changed to accommodate opportunities to significantly reduce the impacts on the traveling public.

We’re pleased this year about giving our customers an opportunity to tell us what they think. Six projects from across the state of 23 that are included in this Highlights Report have an opinion questionnaire that asks readers for their reactions to the projects. Your responses will help us to better understand public expectations and to improve the way projects are managed and communicated.

List of Projects Evaluated

Jefferson County

SR 104, Hood Canal Bridge
When the Hood Canal Bridge East Half Replacement project is finished, the bridge will have a new wider east-half floating section, new approach sections and transition trusses on the east and west ends.

King County

I-90 - Eastgate Interchange Vicinity to Front Street, Paving and Intelligent Transportation Systems

I-90, Sunset Interchange

I-405 - Coal Creek Parkway to SR 522

I-405 - SR 167, Interchange Modification

SR 520 - 10th to Midspan Evergreen Point Bridge

Klickitat County

SR 141 - Klickitat County Pavers

Okanogan County

SR 20 - Methow River Bridge Replacement

Pierce County

I-5 - Puyallup River Bridge - Polyester Deck Overlay

SR 16, Tacoma Narrows Bridge
A new suspension bridge is being built parallel to and south of the existing bridge, providing two general-purpose and a HOV lane for eastbound traffic.