January 2013
Project 1, Spanaway Loop Road to SR 7
Construction began in July 2008 and was completed Aug. 2009. Ceccanti, Inc. was the contractor.
The remainder of the project is currently suspended awaiting funding.
Photos of ribbon-cutting ceremony
Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and elected officials celebrated the completion of the first Cross Base project Aug. 26, 2009.
What did Project 1 do?
Project 1 connected Spanaway Loop Road to SR 7, drastically improving safety and mobility. New dual right-turn lanes from Spanaway Loop Road to southbound SR 7 and dual left-turn lanes from SR 7 to Spanaway Loop Road ease back-ups during peak travel times.
Why is WSDOT
considering building SR 704?
The project is intended to improve transportation system linkage and capacity between Pierce County and destinations along the I-5 corridor for the efficient movement of people and goods.
On Aug. 3, 2004 the environmental Record of Decision (pdf 284 kb) was issued by FHWA, making WSDOT the lead agency on the project.
This project would address the following needs:
- Reduce traffic volumes and congestion on existing roadways such as SR 7, SR 512, SR 507, Spanaway Loop Road, and 174th Street South.
- Provide a direct arterial link in the mid-Pierce County area in proximity with the Cities of Lakewood and DuPont for the movements of vehicles, public transit, freight, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
- Improve public safety by providing faster and direct emergency vehicle access between Pierce County and medical facilities such as Madigan Army Hospital.
- Improve access to and between the military installations by providing an exclusive roadway for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The End Result
When complete, the Cross-base Highway (SR 704) would provide regional travelers with a new six-mile-long, multi-lane divided highway beginning at the I-5 Thorne Lane Interchange at the west end, connecting to 176th Street at SR 7 at the east end.
This new alternate east-west route would ease congestion on I-5, SR 512, SR 7 and Spanaway Loop Road by providing a route through Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Project Benefits
- Congestion Relief. The I-5 corridor, SR 512, and SR 7, along with county roads, would experience congestion relief and reduced delays as a result of this new project.
- Safety. This new highway would be designed to modern safety standards with full-width lanes and shoulders. The new interchange at Thorne Lane on I-5 would improve traffic flow and enhance safety.
- Environmental Benefits. This project would meet or exceed the latest environmental standards, including the development of a 358-acre habitat to protect and enhance the environment.
What is the project timeline?
The SR 704 Cross-base Highway is divided into five independent projects. Construction on Project 1, Spanaway Loop Rd to SR 7, began in July 2008. The four remaining projects are suspended awaiting funding.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 370401A |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$15,000 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$15,253 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$10,638 |
| Total |
$40,891 |
|
The above financial data represent the total dollars currently available for the project. WSDOT estimates that the entire project will cost approximately $410 million (in 2012 dollars).
How can I get more information?
Contact:
John Wynands , ARA for project developement
WSDOT
5720 Capital Blvd.
Tumwater, WA 98504-7440
Phone: 360-357-2658
Claudia Bingham Baker
Communications Manager
WSDOT Olympic Region
5720 Capitol Boulevard SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 360-357-2789
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