Overview
This project widened SR 24 by adding one lane in each direction from I-82 to Riverside Road, improved the interchange, and constructed a new bridge over the Yakima River. These changes relieved congestion, improved safety, and addressed erosion at the Yakima River Bridge piers.
The SR 24/Nob Hill Boulevard interchange over I-82 was a serious bottleneck for commuters. Traffic clogged the interchange ramps and backed up onto Interstate 82. This congestion was a major factor in the high collision rate on SR 24 and it hindered economic growth in the area. Additionally, the SR 24 bridge over the Yakima River had a history of erosion problems and needed to be replaced to prevent catastrophic failure.
SR 24 is now a four-lane highway from I-82 to Riverside Road. Wider bridges were built over I-82 and the Yakima River. Intersections at the two-ramp terminals, South 22nd Street, and South 33rd Street (Riverside Road) were improved. A pedestrian/bicycle path crosses I-82 and the new Yakima River Bridge to provide a connection to the Greenway and continues as a 12-foot wide pathway to Riverside Road. These improvements increased capacity at the Nob Hill interchange, accommodating future traffic growth.
 | Improves Safety
According to statewide standards, SR 24 has been identified as a High Accident Location (HAL). The additional lanes provided more capacity and will reduce the number of collisions experienced in this area.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
WSDOT estimated that if this project was not built, traffic congestion would average one hour a day by 2010 and five hours a day by 2020. In comparison, now that the project has been completed, we should see no congestion through the year 2020.
|
 | Protects Environment
A new Yakima River Bridge will better protect and preserve the habitat along the river and allow for a more natural flood plain.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
The Yakama Nation was a significant stakeholder and was especially concerned with the Yakima River crossing portion of the project. They were involved with early scoping details and were one of the valued members of the interdisciplinary team. WSDOT also consulted with the Wanapum Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Nez Perce Nation, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation through the formal consultation process of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Funding
| Financial Data for PIN 502402E |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$36,646 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$13,861 |
| Total |
$50,506 |
|
Other Agency Funds - $5.2 million
- City of Yakima - $1.5 million
- Yakima County - $1.4 million
- Terrace Heights Sewer District - $2.1 million
- At&T Communications - $0.2 million
Contact Us
Project Engineer, Paul Gonseth
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1810
E-mail:GonsetP@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top