Overview
Construction began Monday August 7th and was complete August 30.
This (I-2) Highway Capital Improvement Safety Collision Reduction Project addressed a high collision location between the east end of the SR 285 Senator George Sellar Bridge and the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee.
The roundabout was constructed at the intersection of SR 28B and 5th St. NE (MP 4.25-4.45B) as well as to the westbound on-ramps to the bridge from 5th St. and from southbound Sunset Hwy (SR 28B).
Why is WSDOT improve this intersection?
This area was identified as a location in need of safety improvements due to the type, frequency and severity of collisions that happen here.
Washington State Patrol records show from October 2010 through October 2015 there were 30 collisions, with 10 resulting in injuries. During that same 5 year period for the SR 28 ramp onto the bridge there were another 38 collisions with 9 injuries.
An estimated average of 4,850 cars currently (and a forecasted average of 7,200 cars in 20 years) go straight onto the George Sellar Bridge or turn right onto SR 28 daily from this east leg of 5th street. Traffic often backs up to Valley Mall Parkway and traffic trying to cross SR 28 cause a high percentage of T-bone and side collisions. Collisions from the southbound SR 28 ramp to the George Sellar Bridge are mainly sideswipes and rear-end collisions.
The End Result
The intersection improvement is designed to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of collisions. A roundabout all but eliminates the possibility of the T-bone collisions that frequently occurred at this intersection.
Project Benefits
What is the project timeline?
Funding
Pre-Existing Funds (PEF): $1,805,000
Total: $1,805,000
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Dan Lewis, Project Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
2830 Euclid Ave.
Wenatchee, WA 98801-5916
phone: 509-667-2881 or toll free (888) 461-8816
Email: Dan.Lewis@wsdot.wa.gov