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Project Facts

• Between 2004 and 2008 the population of Skagit County grew by approximately 8,000 people.
  
• On average, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the Sharpes Corner intersection every day.
• SR 20 is the primary means of delivering freight and goods to and from Whidbey Island.

Overview
We will improve the Sharpes Corner intersection in Anacortes to relieve congestion and increase safety. We looked at six design options to improve the intersection. We completed a value engineering study that concluded that a modified roundabout would be the best solution to improve safety and relieve congestion at the intersection.

Why is WSDOT improving the Sharpes Corner intersection?
SR 20 is the only direct land access to the city of Oak Harbor, the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and the rest of Whidbey Island. The SR 20 spur is the primary access to Anacortes and ferry service to the San Juan Islands and Vancouver, BC. As a consequence, the intersection of these two roadways is of significant regional importance.

On average, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the Sharpes Corner intersection every day creating heavy traffic congestion. Backups can be severe and increase the chance of collisions. Traffic turning west towards Whidbey Island often backs up beyond the turn lane, leaving vehicles stopped on the highway, increasing the chance of rear-end collisions.

We also need to incorporate any changes to the Sharpes Corner intersection to include Fidalgo Bay Road, where it connects at the intersection.

The End Result
When construction is complete, the intersections will move traffic in a faster, safer manner. We will pick the best option to relieve congestion and improve safety. 

We have heard from many of you that bike/pedestrian improvements are very important, and we are doing as much as we can to include improvements in our design. We have applied for a grant which would help us pay for a trail near the golf course.

Project Benefits

• Safety: Improvements to these intersections will increase traffic flow and decrease rear-end collisions, making the roadway safer for drivers. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will increase safety and mobility in the area.
• Improve traffic flow: Drivers will see significant increases in roadway capacity and traffic flow. This means shorter drive times and less time sitting in traffic.
• Environment: We will make improvements to stormwater culverts and detention ponds where necessary to meet current WSDOT environmental standards. 

What is the project timeline?
2011 - Construction is anticipated to begin.

Sept. 25, 2008 - We will host another open house in Anacortes to update the community on our design progress to date.

Feb. 25, 2008 - We held an open house in Oak Harbor to update the community on plans to build a roundabout at Sharpes Corner.

Jan. 31, 2008 - The Value Engineering team chooses a modified roundabout as the best choice to improve the intersection.

Jan. 2008 - We held a Value Engineering study to evaluate all the options and look for ways to improve on the recommended option.

Nov. 15, 2007 - We hosted an open house in Anacortes to showcase six design options.

2005 - The Legislature provided funding to improve the intersection as part of the 2005 Transportation Partnership Program.

Public Involvement
We will hold another open house in Anacortes September 25, 2008 to update the community on this project.

We held a public meeting in Oak Harbor on Feb. 25, 2008. We displayed the results of the value engineering study and the original design options.

Nov. 15, 2007 - We hosted an open house in Anacortes on Nov. 15, to show the public six design options for improving the Sharpes Corner intersection, and to solicit comments from the public. We received over 175 comments.

If you can't make our open houses, please call or e-mail Dave Chesson, 360-757-5970 to get more details or submit comments.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impact from our projects. During project design, WSDOT will work to reduce the impact to wetlands, creeks and rivers in the project area. A detailed analysis of the project's environmental impacts will be completed and, if necessary, an appropriate plan for mitigation of impacts will be developed and documented as part of the Environmental Documentation and Environmental Permitting processes.

Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
We will improve traffic flow and decrease the risk of collisions. Reducing congestion will reduce the risk of rear-end collsions.

During the construction phase of this project, WSDOT will implement all necessary traffic management and safety measures to ensure the safety of the traveling public, as well as our construction workers.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
We will consult with Tribes and other interested parties as we develop this project.  

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.

To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:

• 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $23.4 million 
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $23.4 million 
  

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications Dave Chesson
WSDOT Mt. Baker Headquarters
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5970
E-mail: Chessod@wsdot.wa.gov

or

Project Engineer Dawn Yankauskas
WSDOT Mt Baker Project Office
6505 216th St SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Phone: 425-744-5103
E-mail: yankadr@wsdot.wa.gov

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