November 2009
- The final report has been sent to WSDOT Headquarters for review and approval.
We are working with the cities of Auburn and Enumclaw, King County, the Muckleshoot Tribe and the Puget Sound Regional Council on a study to analyze the possibility of adding a bypass between State Route 164 and State Route 18 in the city of Auburn.
Why is WSDOT
studying a bypass for SR 164?
A rising number of commuters are taking SR 164 a rural route which also serves as a freight connector in southeast King County. Drivers on this highway experience safety issues due to the increasing amount of congestion on the route.
The Washington State Legislature directed our agency to develop a list of improvement options that addressed the transportation problems on SR 164. We developed this list of improvements with a group of representatives from along the highway.
This list of potential improvements includes adding a bypass between SR 164 and SR 18 in Auburn to address congestion issues at that interchange. In 2006, the Legislature provided $500,000 to further analyze this option.
The End Result
The Bypass Feasibility Study will document how SR 164/SR 18 interchange ramp reconfiguration or potential new alignments address congestion and improve emergency vehicle access. The study will also provide recommendations on whether any of the improvements could be carried forward into a more detailed environmental review process such as an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment, if funding becomes available.
Project Benefits
A bypass option at SR 18 and SR 164 would alleviate traffic congestion at the SR 18/SR 164 interchange and help minimize the traffic impacts from the White River Amphitheatre. This supports the safe and efficient travel of people and goods on both highways. While recommendations for projects are not funded for construction improvement options will help guide future funding decisions about this highway.
What is the project timeline?
Spring 2008
- Begin study
- Gather information
Fall 2008
- Preliminary engineering analysis
- Finalize the alignments to be studied
Spring/Summer 2009
- Review and finalize analysis
- Corridor Working Group finalizes reccomendations
- Release final report to the public
Financial Information
The project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Legislative Appropriation - $500,000
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $500,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Richard Warren, Project Manager
WSDOT Urban Planning Office
401 Second Avenue South, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98104
206-464-1283
warrenr@wsdot.wa.gov
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