November 2009
- This project will be advertised to contractors in November 2009.
- Keep up-to-date with regular e-mail updates about this and other eastside projects.
Using 2005 Transportation Partnership Package funds, we will enhance safety along 18 miles of SR 203 by:
- Installing rumble strips and guardrails to reduce the number and severity of run-off-the-road collisions regularly occuring in this area.
Why is WSDOT
increasing safety on SR 203?
There have been a number of severe collisions on SR 203, particularly within the first four miles. In 2002, there were four fatal collisions that prompted WSDOT to seek funding from the legislature to increase safety at this location. In 2005, the Transportation Partnership Package provided $3.5 million to address safety issues.
Engineers examined improvement options and determined a roundabout at the NE Tolt Hill Road intersection would provide the greatest safety benefit. As the project moved through early design stages, engineers encountered environmental constraints that would greatly increase the cost of building a roundabout or a signal at the intersection.
The project team went back to the drawing board and investigated alternate solutions. Looking at the corridor as a whole, they decided to combine the money with another project that would improve a different area of the SR 203 corridor. Engineers will now focus on preventing run-off-the-road collisions along 18 miles of SR 203 in King County.
The End Result
When crews are done installing rumble strips and guardrails along 18 miles of SR 203, the road will be safer with a significant reduction in severe, run-off-the-road collisions.
Project Benefits
Safety - Rumble strips alert drivers that they are leaving their lane of travel by creating a loud noise and vibrations when the wheels of the car touch the rumble strips. Guardrails will prevent vehicles from striking fixed objects and rolling over into ditches. These improvements combined will reduce run-off-the-road collisions, making the highway safer.
What is the project timeline?
Once we finish designing the project, we will advertise for bids from private contractors to build this project. We expect to start construction in 2010.
Financial Information
- 2005 Gas Tax - $3.5 million
- Total Funding From All Sources - $3.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Hung Huynh
WSDOT Project Engineer
15700 Dayton Ave. N
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4311
E-mail: HuynhH@wsdot.wa.gov
Mike Murphy
WSDOT Communications
15700 Dayton Avenue N.
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4699
E-mail: MurphyM@wsdot.wa.gov
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