Overview
As of February 2008, we dramatically changed and improved Pacific Highway (State Route 543) through Blaine. We reconstructed, lowered and repaved the highway from Boblett Street to the U.S.-Canada border. We built a new interchange at D Street and a designated truck lane. The new truck lane is on the east side of the Duty Free Store and lines up with the commercial inspection booths at the border. These improvements will help increase safety, improve freight movement and relieve congestion.
 | Improves Safety
We built a new D Street overpass to separate local traffic from highway traffic. The new overpass will increase safety and make it easier for local residents to get from one side of town to the other. Residents will pass over SR 543 on the new overpass. To build the overpass at D Street, we lowered SR 543 about 25 feet.
|
 | Relieves Congestion
The Blaine crossings between Washington and British Columbia see the third highest volume of passenger traffic and the fourth highest volume of commercial trucks along the entire U.S.-Canada border. Commercial traffic increase 85 percent in the last 10 years. Up to 2,000 trucks use the highway each day.
Before we remodeled the highway, trucks used to back up along the highway causing congestion and conflicts with local residents and drivers.
The new lanes for cars and trucks and new overpass at D Street for the community of Blaine have greatly relieved congestion and improved safety.
|
 | Economic Incentive
This project ties in with the Free and Secure Trade program (FAST). FAST allows for pre-approved trucks to quickly cross the border, much like Nexus, used by passenger vehicles. Trucks using FAST have their own lane now, increasing their crossing speed substantially while relieving congestion.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
We worked closely with the city of Blaine, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Canada Border Services Agency to design and build a project that meets the needs of the local agencies as well as the community and drivers.
Funding
| Financial Data for PIN 154302E |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$13,537 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$36,971 |
| Total |
$50,508 |
|
Contact Us
Communications Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5997
E-mail: Terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top