Overview
This project constructed a new I-5 interchange at SR 502 (NE 219th Street) in north Clark County (Exit 11). The interchange eases congestion and improves safety both northbound and southbound on I-5, improves safety at the NE 179th Street interchange by reducing congestion, improves safety on I-5 by reducing weaving between the junction of I-5 and I-205, and helps improve access to Battle Ground.
Project Background
In 2001, WSDOT completed a 2-year study of the I-5/I-205 interstate corridor. As part of that study, the short- and long-term interstate and interchange needs in the north Clark County area were identified. Many Clark County businesses and residents participated in development of that plan, which recommended a new I-5 interchange near NE 219th Street, in the vicinity of the Gee Creek rest area.
Following this I-5/I-205 North Corridor Plan, WSDOT considered several alternatives for a new I-5/SR 502 Interchange. After an extensive public involvement process, WSDOT selected a recommended operational alternative that served as a starting point for the SR 502 Interchange Project's Environmental Assessment.
 | Improves Safety
This project reduces the number of vehicles backing up on the northbound off ramp of NE 179th Street Interchange, and reduces lane change conflicts between the NE 179th Street Interchange and the I-5/I-205 junction.
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 | Relieves Congestion
These improvements reduce travel times by providing a more direct connection from I-5 to SR 502 and the city of Battle Ground.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
A ribbon cutting event took place on October 15, 2008 to open the new interchange to the public.
This project was on display at several open houses, including March 27, May 9 and June 14, 2007. Each Open House was an opportunity to learn more about the project and traffic impacts during construction.
A Groundbreaking Event for the SR 502 Interchange Project was held Thursday, April 12, 2007.
A wide variety of public involvement efforts occurred as part of this project. For detailed information about these efforts, please visit our Public Participation information.
WSDOT has notified all affected property owners. In August 2004, WSDOT met with property owners about the project.On March 24, 2005, WSDOT hosted a combined open house and access hearing for affected property owners.
For the latest public involvement meetings in Southwest Washington, visit the Southwest Region's Public Involvement page.
WSDOT is committed to preserving the environment and makes every effort to assess and minimize environmental impact from its projects. In August 2005, WSDOT completed an Environmental Assessment for this project. This assessment determined what the potential impacts of possible alignments would be on the environment (natural, ecological, social and economic); evaluated options for lessening these impacts; and determined necessary regulatory approvals. The Executive Summary (pdf 266 kb) of the Environmental Assessment is available for review on this Web page by clicking the words “Executive Summary” in this sentence or by looking for the link under “Documents” in the left navigation bar. The Environmental Assessment will help guide final design and construction.
There were two components to WSDOT's erosion control and water quality protection efforts: temporary measures during construction activities and permanent measures for when the project was completed. WSDOT incorporates "Best Management Practices" to reduce environmental impacts on water quality and provide erosion control at the construction site. These practices include covering disturbed soil to prevent erosion, and using silt fences, straw bales, and inlet filters to prevent sediment from leaving the work site.
Permanent erosion control and water quality measures were addressed with the construction of drainage structures, swales, and infiltration ponds that collect and filter storm water run-off from the highway.
For environmental information specific to this project, please contact Barb Aberle at (360) 905-2186, or e-mail AberleB@wsdot.wa.gov.
Funding
Nickel Funding: $51.4 million
Local Funding (Motor Vehicle Account): $378,000
Total Project Cost: $52 million
Contact Us
Area Engineer Chris Tams
WSDOT Columbia Gorge Project Office
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98682-6686
Toll Free Phone: (866) 279-0730
E-mail: swGorge@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications
WSDOT Southwest Region
PO Box 1709
Vancouver, WA 98668-1709
Phone: 360-905-2058
E-mail: SWWebInfo@wsdot.wa.gov
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