Overview
This project constructed additional lanes on SR 240 between Richland and Kennewick, linking Interstate 182 with the US Department of Energy's Hanford site, the Columbia Center commercial areas, and east Kennewick's industrial zones. The project will save travel time with six general purpose lanes for auto and vanpool commuters and expand the bicycle corridor.
 | Improves Safety
The additional lanes and revised connections provide improved mobility and maneuverability. Interchange improvements allow safer connections to I-182 and local roads.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
The SR 240 – Tri-Cities Additional Lanes project increased capacity and decreased congestion, create better connections to existing roads, and encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation by improving pedestrian/bicycle connections.
There are now three lanes in each direction on SR 240 from Stevens Drive to Columbia Center Boulevard. A new auxiliary lane was added in each direction from I-182, across the new Yakima River Bridges, to the Richland "Y." Improvements at the I-182/SR 240 interchange and the Richland "Y" interchange included ramp widening and construction of a roundabout.
|
 | Protects Environment
An Environmental Assessment (EA) was determined to be the appropriate level of documentation, since all potential environmental effects have been either avoided, minimized or mitigated. Because the project resulted in unavoidable impacts to resources, we invested tremendous effort to develop mitigation that compensated for impacts to wetlands, wildlife, salmonid habitat and items of cultural importance. The plan included an overflow bridge in the Yakima River Delta, an 11 acre wetland creation site to the east of SR 240 and approximately 5 acres of wetland enhancement. The environmental benefits of this project restored and enhanced wetlands and provided flood plain and animal connectivity through this section of the Yakima River Delta.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
For this project, WSDOT strategy included extensive face-to-face communication with tribal groups including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Yakama Nation, and the Wanapum Tribe. This communication strategy continued through construction and included cultural monitoring of the project site during ground disturbing activities.
Funding
This project was funded through the following sources:
- 2003 Nickel Funding Package - $53.6 million
- Existing Funds - $4.6 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $58.2 million
Contact Us
Project Engineer, Moe Davari
WSDOT South Central Project Office
1655 Fowler Street
Richland, WA 99352
Phone: 509.222.2402
E-mail:DavariM@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top