Overview
Benton County and WSDOT have partnered to construct a new rural arterial from the I-82/Locust Grove Interchange to SR 397 in the Finley area. The three phases of this project are:
- Phase 1: I-82 to Olympia St. (3.24 miles)
- Phase 2: Olympia St. to Finley Rd. (5.39 miles)
- Phase 3: Finley Rd. to SR 397 (2.40 miles)
The ten-mile road was constructed to WSDOT standards with two 12 foot lanes and six foot shoulders. In the more urban area of Finley, a center turn lane was added and an overpass was constructed at the Burlington Northern railroad crossing. This new road may become a state highway.
 | Relieves Congestion
In the past, truck traffic from I-82 needed to travel through Kennewick on SR 397 (Chemical Drive) to reach Finley, adding to congested conditions. Extending SR 397 west to I-82 will provide an alternate truck route, relieve traffic congestion in Kennewick, and also serve as a secondary access route for the residents of Finley.
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 | Economic Incentive
New access to I-82 from Finley will eliminate freight delay due to slow, indirect travel through Kennewick.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
Benton County and WSDOT worked together to deliver this project to the public.
Funding
This project was funded through the following sources:
- WSDOT Existing funds - $5.8 million*
- T.I.B. Fuel Tax - $4.3 million
- Benton County - $3.7 million
- Federal REV Funding - $1.5 million
- Port of Kennewick - $0.1 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $15.4 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.
WSDOT is partnering with Benton County, providing a portion of the construction funding.
Contact Us
Lead Agency:
Public Works Manager, Steven W. Becken
Benton County Public Works
P.O. Box 1001
Benton County Courthouse
620 Market St.
Prosser, WA 99350-0954
Phone: 509.786.5611
E-mail:mailto:steve.becken@co.benton.wa.us
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