View entire map The project is located between Moses Lake and Ephrata in central Grant County.
View entire photo There would be a sixty foot median between the two sets of lanes in the rural sections.
View entire photo Median Concrete Barrier is proposed between urban sections of the new lanes in both Moses Lake and Ephrata.
View entire photo Final roadway design at the reconfigure entrace to Connelly Park, resulting in a net easement reduction of 1.13 acres at McConihe Road. this will provide an additional 1.13 acres of contiguous land for park use.
Vew entire photo Interim roadway desgin at Connelly Park. The extension of Neppel Road requires a 0.32 acre adjustment to the McConihe Road easement with Grant County.
View entire photo Proposed roadway design along SR 17 at the Rocky Ford Creek Sub-Unit of the Gloyd Seeps Wildlife Area.
Overview
This first stage of the project completes a Documented Categorically Exempt (DCE) environmental report.
The final design parameters will be based on several screening criteria; Design Standards, Public Acceptance, Noise, Environmental Issues, Utility Impacts, Construction Complexity, and others as determined in the DCE process.
The DCE specifies asymmetrical widening along SR 282 and SR 17, with the exception of the Moses Lake urban section. Asymmetrical widening means the current roadway will be used as the northbound lanes and the southbound lanes would be constructed south of the existing lanes.
The Ephrata and Moses Lake urban areas will have a concrete median barrier. The remaining section of SR 282 and SR 17 will have a 60 foot median.
The DCE also calls for signalizing, illuminating and realigning several intersections on SR 17 and SR 282.
Why is WSDOT
doing an environmental assessment for this corridor?
An approved DCE is the result of a comprehensive process that studied all the impacts a project could have on the environment. The studies included: noise, air quality, hazardous materials, visual impacts, transportation, water quality, wildlife, cultural and archeological resources, socio-economic impacts and more.
When constructed, this project will provide a 4 lane connection between Moses Lake and Ephrata and 4 lane route continuity with the rest of SR 17 from the Port of Grant County Airport to Interstate 90. Widening of the last 2-lane piece of that section, from Pioneer Way to Stratford Road, was completed in the fall of 2007.
Significant growth is occurring in this area and widening of this route will reduce congestion during peak commuting times and reduce the conflicts between passenger vehicles and large trucks. The project will increase shipping efficiency, improve access for freight and provide a safer highway for all its users.
WSDOT and the consultant coordinated with local governments and agencies to ensure that future plans for development and necessary access, were fully considered in the study.
The End Result
The Project was guided through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) approval processes. Design and construction have not yet been fully funded by the Legislature.
Project Benefits
Freight Mobility: The proposed four lanes will increase highway freight capacity and increase freight mobility between Ephrata, Moses Lake, and I-90, including the Ephrata and Moses Lake Airports.
Traffic Flow: Widening the corridor will reduce traffic congestion along this route. Intersections will be designed to maintain traffic flow and allow for truck turning movements.
Safety: The project will develop alternatives that will improve safety at several intersections, providing turn pockets, turning lanes and/or signals where needed.
What is the project timeline?
The environmental study was completed in the summer of 2009.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
· 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership funding) - $5* Million
· Total Funding Available from all sources - $5* Million
*$2.4 Million of the $5 Million funding will go towards the SR 17 N. of Moses Lake - Add Passing Lane.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Terry Mattson
Consultant Manager and Special Projects Engineer
WSDOT Consultant Management and Special Projects Office
PO Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807-0098
Phone: 509-667-2899
E-mail: mattsot@wsdot.wa.gov
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