Overview
Construction began June 8 and was complete November 19, 2009. There were minimal opportunities for passing slower moving vehicles in this corridor. That resulted in unsafe passing maneuvers and cross-over collisions. In addition, pavement, striping and signage had deteriorated. Two stimulus Hot Mix Asphalt paving projects were combined with the passing lane projects. The SR 17 Grant County Airport North project and the SR 282 Ephrata South project, together paved the 13 miles between Moses Lake and Ephrata. The passing lane project combined funding from two other projects. Funding from SR 17 North of Moses Lake - Add Passing Lane and from SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata Widening were combined to build two southbound passing lanes from N. Neppel Rd. (MP 65.3) to Northlake Rd. (MP 63.4) and from S. Neppel Rd. (MP 60.41) to McConihe Rd. (MP 59.74) and a northbound passing lane from S. Neppel Rd. (MP 60.54) to Northlake Rd. (MP 62.58) – a total of 4 -1/2 miles of new 12-foot lanes with four foot shoulders. A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion was held Oct. 22.
 | Improves Safety
Paving provides new striping and signage and a smoother driving surface. Passing lanes provide a safer corridor by reducing the number of vehicles crossing the center line, into the oncoming traffic lane, in order to pass slower vehicles.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
Passing lanes reduce traffic congestion by providing more opportunities for vehicles traveling at highway speeds to get around slower vehicles.
|
 | Economic Incentive
Paving reduces future maintenance costs and extends roadway life. This project supported 75 jobs during construction.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
In February 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This project translated the federal recovery funding into job creation and highway improvements.
Funding
| Financial Data for PIN 201701E |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$627 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$0 |
| Total |
$627 |
|
The project was advertised for private contractor bids on March 23rd, 2009. Three bids were opened on April 23rd. Contract #7724 was awarded to Granite Northwest, Inc. for $6,235,235.00, 22% below the engineering estimate.
This project is funded through the following sources:
· Pre-existing Funds - $0.3 Million
· 2005 9-1/2 cent gas tax Transportation Partnership Account (TPA)- $4.1* Million
· 2009 Stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - $5.4 Million
· Total Funding Available from all sources - $12.8* Million
*$2.4 Million of the project funding is from the SR 17 Moses Lake to Ephrata - Widening
Contact Us
Project Engineer Eric Pierson
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: 509.667.2870 or toll free 888.461.8816
E-mail: piersoe@wsdot.wa.gov
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