View entire map A new traffic signal was installed on US 97 at MP 291.25, the T intersection with SR 155 (Dayton St.) in east Omak.
View entire map Two electronic message signs and two web cameras were installed from Oroville to the border crossing.
View entire photo US 97 - SR 155 intersection -Looking north.
View entire photo US 97 - SR 155 intersection - Looking south.
View entire photo A web camera and traffic counting equipment was installed here at the US/Canadian Border crossing.
Project complete September 2009
Construction began June 22nd in Omak and was complete September 29, 2009.
To save tax payer money, this project on US 97 in Okanogan County combined 2 projects into one - the US 97 Border Vicinity Improvements project and the SR 155 Intersection Improvement project. The joined work installed traffic monitoring equipment and variable message signs, north on US 97 at and near the border. Plus, a traffic signal system, including advanced warning beacons, at the intersection of SR 155 and US 97, near Omak. The project placed new traffic web cameras north of Oroville and at the border.
This Economic Initiative Capital Improvement project improves safety, mobility and, access along the US 97 corridor. This goal is accomplished by installing a traffic signal system at the intersection of US 97 and SR 155 (Dayton Street) in Omak and by installing congestion monitoring equipment at the US/Canadian border and variable message signs near Oroville.
Why is WSDOT
adding a signal on the US 97/Dayton St. intersection and installing variable message signs in Oroville and traffic monitoring equipment at the border?
The goal of the border improvements is to increase safety, access, and mobility for those on their way to the Canadian border. Mobility has become a significant problem at the US 97 crossing facility into Canada. Wait times have been recorded to be a long as an hour. Monitoring this congestion and providing information to motorists, will allow travelers to make informed decisions for travel to the US/Canadian crossing.
The goal of the Omak traffic signal is safety and mobility. As traffic volume has increased in recent years, it has become more difficult for vehicles, especially commercial trucks, to safely enter and exit US 97. A significant number of severe vehicle and pedestrian accidents have been recorded on US 97, near Omak. The number of severe accidents will be reduced by installing the traffic signal at US 97 and SR 155.
The posted speed limit on US 97 from MP 290.90 to MP 293.00 in the Omak vicinity will be lowered from 60 mph to 50 mph. This speed reduction will be in effect at the beginning of construction activities and remain until spring 2010. The speed reduction is for construction safety and for testing long-term motorist compliance in this developing area.
The End Result
For the intersection of US 97 and SR 155 (Dayton Street), a new traffic signal will control traffic; advanced warning beacons will alert US 97 drivers when the signal light is turning red and vehicles have to stop; pedestrian crosswalks, including push button controls for the traffic signal and ADA warning pads (for the visually impaired) will be in place; approximately 2000 feet of chain link fence will be installed on both sides of US 97 extending from the US 97/SR 155 intersection, north to the overpass where SR 155 passes under US 97; and a 6-foot wide by approximately 1300-foot long paved walkway will be built from the SR 155 bridge to the US 97 and SR 155 intersection.
For US 97 north and south of Oroville, two electronic message signs were installed, which will feature border crossing wait times, for travelers. Included in the project was the installation of a traffic monitoring system (including web cameras) at the border to monitor traffic backups. Information gathered from the border traffic monitoring system will automatically be displayed on the message signs installed near Oroville.
Project Benefits
Safety
A signalized intersection will reduce the incidence of life threatening vehicle collisions. Warning beacons will provide early caution of upcoming signal stop condition and allow vehicles to reduce speed. The chain link fence will prohibit pedestrians from making multi-point highway crossings and to direct pedestrians towards designated crosswalks to reduce the potential for accidents.
Access
By temporarily stopping US 97 traffic, SR 155 vehicles will have better opportunity to access US 97 safely without timing gaps between vehicles. A controlled signal for the Northbound left-turn lane of US 97 will also prevent lengthy queue lengths and avoid potential for head-on accidents.
Mobility
Monitoring the traffic backups at the border crossing and providing that information to the traveling public will give motorists the opportunity to know what to expect when considering crossing the border into Canada. Adding this equipment will help travelers to plan their departure for times when congestion at the border is at a minimum.
What is the project timeline?
Construction began June 22 and was scheduled for 45 working days to be complete. The project was complete September 29, 2009.
Financial Information
This project was advertised for private contractor bids on March 23, 2009. 3 bids were opened on April 23. On April 27, contract #7725 was awarded to McCandlish Electric, Inc. for $613,330.00, 14% below the engineering estimate.
It is funded through the following source:
- Federal Mobility and Safety Grant -$1,070,000
- Total Funding from all sources - $1,070,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Kevin Waligorski, Project Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2860 or toll free (888) 461-8816
E-mail: waligok@wsdot.wa.gov
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