February 2012
- Stage 1 landscaping work is temporarily suspended due to unfavorable weather conditions. All construction activities for Stage 1 will be complete in spring 2012.
- Construction on Stage 2 is set to begin in spring 2012. This stage, funded by the City of Ridgefield, makes improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections, and adds sidewalks near adjacent roadways.
Overview
This project will be constructed in two stages.
Construction on Stage 1 began in September 2009. Stage 1 improves safety and mobility by replacing the existing I-5 interchange at SR 501 in Ridgefield with a new bridge and improved on- and off-ramps, widening SR 501 to two lanes in each direction, and adding new turn lanes and sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle travel along SR 501.
Construction on Stage 2 is set to begin in spring 2012. Stage 2 makes improvements to the SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/65th Avenue intersections, and adds 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 allowed WSDOT to construct the first stage of this project, which includes reconstruction of the interchange. The second stage of the project is funded by local agencies and makes improvements to adjacent roadways.
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
The interchange at I-5 and SR 501 near Ridgefield will have two lanes in each direction with turn lanes, and sidewalks for bicycle and pedestrian travel. Adjacent intersections at SR 501/56th Place and Pioneer Street/ 65th Avenue will be improved to include roundabouts and sidewalks.
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: Stage 1 construction began.
- Summer 2011: Stage 1 construction scheduled to be complete.
- Spring 2012: Stage 2 construction scheduled to begin.
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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