Overview
WSDOT widened SR 18 to four lanes between Maple Valley and Issaquah Hobart Road. Crews also separated eastbound and westbound traffic with a 48-foot-wide grass median, built an interchange at 244th Avenue SE, constructed an overpass at SE 200th Street, and removed intersections at 244th Avenue SE, SE 200th Street, and 236th Avenue SE.
 | Improves Safety
The three-mile section extending to Issaquah Hobart Road was a two-lane undivided highway with the potential for high speed collisions. Eastbound and westbound traffic is now separated by a 48-foot median, drastically lowering the likelihood of head-on collisions. Crews also eliminated three intersections and improved visibility by reducing the dip in the road from the Cedar River to 236th Avenue Southeast.
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 | Relieves Congestion
New lanes and shoulders more than doubles the highway's capacity to move traffic. Removing the traffic signal at 244th NE clears a significant bottleneck.
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 | Protects Environment
Crews built 14 detention ponds to filter and store storm water runoff before it is released to nearby streams and wetlands; created and enhanced 49 acres of wetlands on four sites to compensate for wetlands affected by construction; improved Taylor Creek crossings by replacing culverts with seven bridges; and realigned 1500-foot section of Taylor Creek to fit under new bridges.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
This project site is in the acknowledged Usual and Accustomed Areas of both the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie tribes. As a result, we conducted extensive consultation with the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie tribes, along with four other tribes. Also, a professional archaeologist and Muckleshoot archaeological staff were available for consultation during construction. Frequent and continuous consultation was an important element of the project.
Funding
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $5.8 million
- Existing Funds - $120.45 Million
- Other Agency Funds - $107,000
These funds are provided by utility companies.
- Total funding from all sources - $126.3 million
Contact Us
Greg Phipps
WSDOT Communications
PO Box 330310, MS 103
Seattle, WA 98133-9710
Phone: 206.440.4702
E-mail: phippsg@wsdot.wa.gov
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