Overview
This project reconfigured the US 395 / SR 240 interchange south of the "Blue Bridge" in Kennewick. Previously, congestion and merge conflicts south of the Blue Bridge resulted in traffic collisions. The improvements made by WSDOT included adding a second through-lane for southbound US 395. This has increased traffic mobility and efficiency, as well as reduced the number of collisions.
 | Improves Safety
Previous conflicts and backups south of the Blue Bridge at the exit for US 395 resulted in hundreds of collisions during the past several years. The reconfiguration of this interchange has reduced collisions.
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 | Relieves Congestion
Originally, the US 395 "Blue Bridge" was designed to carry the majority of the southbound traffic to eastbound SR 240, but now the majority of southbound traffic continues on US 395. Merging and exiting onto US 395 created conflicts at both ends of the bridge.
Adding the second through-lane has reduced the number of collisions and long back-ups that frequently occurred in the past.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of local residents and travelers while crews worked to provide a safer roadway.
KLB Construction Inc. was the contractor for this project. Construction was completed October 2009.
Funding
This project was funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Account (TPA Funding) - $15,035,000
- Pre-Existing Funds - $56,000
- Total Funding Available from All Sources - $15,091,000
*WSDOT refined the project design and eliminated the need for right of way property acquisition. A low bid of $11.52 million from KLB Construction Inc. reduced the cost of construction below WSDOT's estimate. The new total project cost of $16 million is 29% less than the original budgeted cost.
Contact Us
Project Engineer, Moe Davari
WSDOT South Central Project Office
1655 Fowler Street
Richland, WA 99352
Phone: 509.222.2402
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