April 2013
- This project, referred to as Phase 7A, proposes rebuilding US 12 as a four-lane divided highway, from Nine Mile Hill to the vicinity of Woodward Canyon Road.
- WSDOT is studying the Touchet River floodplain to determine the length and design of the proposed four-lane bridge to minimize impacts to the river.
Why is WSDOT
widening US 12 near Touchet?
This project is part of a corridor plan to widen US Highway 12 from the junction of the Snake River and SR 124 to Walla Walla. Since 1991, this corridor has experienced over 1,079 collisions causing 414 injuries; including 30 deaths. To date, all but 24 miles have been replaced or widened to four lanes.
Each year over ten million tons of cargo travel this section of US 12. Slow moving trucks and recreation vehicles create congestion on this two-lane section of the highway.
The End Result
Phase 7A of the corridor project widens US 12 from Nine Mile Hill to Woodward Canyon vicinity. This section of US highway 12 will be relocated north one mile and constructed as a four-lane divided highway. When construction funding becomes available, WSDOT and a contractor will construct approximately five miles of new highway with fewer curves and two intersections at Nine Mile Hill and Touchet North Road.
Project Benefits
- Increased safety. The proposed four-lane highway will increase safety by decreasing the number of intersections on US 12 while separating opposing traffic with a wide median. Roadway curves will be straightened and two new channelized intersections allow safe access to and from the new roadway.
- Relieved congestion: A four-lane highway will improve traffic flow and provide an area for passing between two-lane sections of US 12.
- Freight mobility: Building a four-lane highway will ease conflicts between slow moving trucks and passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks make up as much as 33 percent of the traffic stream, causing slowdowns and safety concerns.
What is the project timeline?
Limited funding is available to complete the design, begin contract plans, and to purchase a portion of the right of way needed for the project. When funding is allocated for this project. It will take about 18 months to complete the plans and begin construction.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
Funding for the design and a portion of the right of way for this project comes from the following sources:
- Federal Funding
Existing Federal - $5.1 million
- State Funding
Existing Funds - $0.2 million
- $2 million is available to begin purchasing right of way
- Estimated total project cost (design, right of way, construction) - $93 million
Construction for this project is not yet funded
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kerry Grant, WSDOT project engineer
2809 Rudkin Rd.
Union Gap, WA 98903
509-577-1760
Jason Smith, WSDOT Environmental Manager
2809 Rudkin Rd.
Union Gap, WA 98903
509-577-1750
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