February 2010
- Check the construction update report for the latest closure schedule. Weather permitting, crews are on track to open the new lanes to traffic by March. We will complete final paving and striping this spring.
- We recently restriped the lanes to shift traffic to the east at the north end of the project and to the west at the south end. The lane shift will be in place through the end of February while crews finish widening the highway, build new sidewalks and complete electrical work. See construction photos.
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WSDOT will widen SR 900 from Newport way to the vicinity of SE 78th Street (SE 82nd Street and Talus Drive). This will continue the widening WSDOT already completed in December 2004 from I-90 to Newport Way.
Why is WSDOT
widening Renton-Issaquah Road (SR 900) in Issaquah?
Issaquah is one of Washington's fastest growing cities and this rapid growth is evident in the increasing traffic congestion on SR 900. As the city continues to grow, it is crucial to expand and improve the roadway to maintain highway efficiency and safety.
The End Result
Widening this portion of SR 900 will reduce traffic congestion and increase safety by adding a general-purpose lane in each direction, a bike only lane and a raised sidewalk.
Completion of the second phase of widening will get rid of the choke point at Newport Way and extend the widened section of SR 900 to SE 82nd street. Traffic flow will improve through Issaquah to I-90.
The I-90 shoulders on the westbound off-ramp to SR 900 will also be widened.
Project Benefits
• Safety. Widening the roadway from one lane to two, and adding a bicycle lane and a raised pedestrian walkway will increase the safety of the roadway for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Congestion relief. About 36,000 vehicles travel on SR 900 just north of Gilman Boulevard, and the off-ramp from eastbound I-90 is one of the busiest in the state. Widening this section has provided some congestion relief for drivers through Issaquah until they reach Newport Way. 16,000 vehicles travel the soon-to-be-widened section from Newport Way to SE 82nd street. Continuing the widening of SR 900 to SE 82nd and synchronizing the signals will improve congestion and help traffic flow smoothly.
• Environment. This project includes measures to prevent flooding and improve fish habitat in Tibbetts Creek and Tibbetts Creek tributaries.
What is the project timeline?
Phase 1: Completed
July 2003: Widening and improvements began on SR 900 from I-90 to Newport Way.
December 2004: Construction on phase 1 was completed.
Phase 2: New lanes open early 2010
Spring 2008: We selected Icon Construction to construct this project.
August 2008: Construction began
Early 2010: Weather permitting, we expect to open the new lanes to traffic by March.
Spring 2010: Construction complete
Financial Information
The first phase of this project (completed in December 2004) was a collaborative effort by the Washington State Department of Transportation, the City of Issaquah, Sound Transit and King County. A large portion of funding for the first phase of the project came from Talus, a master-planned development that continues to grow just off SR 900.
The second phase of the project, the widening of SR 900 from Newport Way to SE 78th Street, is funded through the five cent gas tax increase approved by the 2003 Legislature.
This project is funded through the following sources:
Phase 1
- Existing Funds - $7.8 million
- Other Agency Funds - $11.6 million
City of Issaquah, King County, Sound Transit, Developer Fees, Utilities
- Total Funding for Phase 1- $19.4 million
Phase 2
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $27.4 million
- Other Agency Funds - $6.5 million
Utilities
- Total Funding Available For Phase 2 - $33.9 million
- Total Funding Available From All Sources for Both Phases - $53.2 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Dave Lindberg
WSDOT Project Engineer
999 3rd Ave, Ste 2424
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 521-5624
Email: lindbed@wsdot.wa.gov
Meghan Soptich Pembroke
WSDOT Communications
15700 Dayton Avenue N.
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4704
Email: pembrom@wsdot.wa.gov
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