October 2009
- Construction will begin spring 2011.
- Engineers and environmental permit coordinators are currently working on the environmental documentation and environmental permits needed for this project.
- Property negotiations and purchases are scheduled to begin in spring 2009 and continue through the fall of 2010.
As the population continues to grow along the State Route 20 corridor, so does traffic. We will make safety improvements along the highway that will increase sight distance and run-off room along the shoulders, and reduce collisions at intersections.
Why is WSDOT
making safety improvements to SR 20 from Arnold Road to Sydney Street on Whidbey Island?
We are upgrading sections of roadway to modern safety standards. This section of highway has a high rate of run-off the road and rear-end collisions.
The End Result
The safety upgrades we have planned for the highway will improve safety at the Arnold Road intersection by implementing design elements that should reduce the frequency and severity of collisions.
We will rebuild the Arnold Road intersection by realigning SR 20 in a way that will allow for more sweeping curves, and by cutting back the hillside. The west leg of the Arnold Road intersection will be realigned to improve the intersection angle. This will make it easier for drivers to see and turn on and off the highway.
Changing the angle of roads that intersect with SR 20, leveling the road and adjacent slopes, and straightening sharp curves will provide drivers with better sight distance. The cross-slope of SR 20 at the curve just south of Sidney Street will be modified. This safety modification should make turning at that curve feel more comfortable to drivers.
Utility poles, trees and other roadside obstructions will be relocated or removed to create a "clear zone" in case vehicles run off the road. Roadside slopes will also be flattened so that vehicles that inadvertently leave the roadway will have a better chance of getting back onto the roadway.
Project Benefits
• Safety - The realignment work will improve sight distance which will help reduce the number of collisions at the Arnold Road intersection. Additionally, the realignment and cross-slope work will reduce the number of run-off-the-road type collisions along this section of highway.
• Sight distance - Improved sight distance and intersection improvements will help drivers entering and exiting SR 20.
• Environmental - We will install water quality treatment facilities to improve water quality by removing heavy metals and oil from highway runoff. The addition of a buried detention pipe will act like a water detention pond and hold storm water, releasing it slowly to reduce the amount of water flowing on to nearby property.
One stormwater detention pond was built in 2007, just south of Sidney Street to treat for quantity runoff.
What is the project timeline?
We anticipate construction beginning in the spring of 2011. The project will be complete by fall 2011.
Engineers and environmental permit coordinators are currently working on the environmental documentation and environmental permits needed for this project.
Real estate negotiations and acquisitions are scheduled to begin in spring 2009 and continue through the fall of 2010.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing Funds - $8.5 million
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $8.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications Dave Chesson
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5970
E-mail: chessod@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Project Engineer Shane Spahr
1415 Pacific Drive
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone: 360-757-5856
E-mail: spahrs@wsdot.wa.gov
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