tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33231045461489398122024-03-28T13:02:20.358-07:00The WSDOT Blog - Washington State Department of TransportationSummer Derreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07069764427265228222noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-85702065852613509772024-03-25T14:54:00.000-07:002024-03-26T09:58:56.231-07:00I-90/SR 18 interchange improvements benefit cars, trucks – and fish<p><em>By David Rasbach and Kathy Mulady</em></p>
<p>If you've traveled through the Interstate 90/State Route 18 interchange near the city of Snoqualmie recently, you may have noticed construction on the east side of the interchange. Crews are diligently building walls beneath the I-90 bridge decks, some of which will stand 20 feet tall.</p>
<p>Most of the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-90-sr-18-interchange-improvements">I-90/SR 18 interchange project</a> is designed to improve traffic flow and safety for locals, commuters and freight. However, this part of the project has a different purpose. It's all about enhancing conditions for salmon, steelhead and other fish species.</p>
<p>Think of it as a sort of aquatic highway.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhA1FfMvsgYT69CDiLD0MPA1MGNSBMNqy3l4b7B4o4A4RN5VSilHZVBvSV6K6CDn4ggLFc_4ll6hGDiky-90R7sgXUmhk2kdvAtaZ7sgvuEteuncbGupaJiLPC2Tcweh61jrP5BRrlgAqrl95hD1kQ73oonPJUJgDPLACasj4tgZZqzpG4ay8Jca3cZg/s1600/SR-18-I-90-Interchange-031924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aerial view of the future Diverging Diamond Interchange at the intersection of Interstate 90 and State Route 18. The future path of a tributary to Lake Creek is shown in blue. Two fish passable structures under ramps between the highways and a pair of walls under I-90, where a stream channel will be built, are highlighted in orange." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhA1FfMvsgYT69CDiLD0MPA1MGNSBMNqy3l4b7B4o4A4RN5VSilHZVBvSV6K6CDn4ggLFc_4ll6hGDiky-90R7sgXUmhk2kdvAtaZ7sgvuEteuncbGupaJiLPC2Tcweh61jrP5BRrlgAqrl95hD1kQ73oonPJUJgDPLACasj4tgZZqzpG4ay8Jca3cZg/w640-h360/SR-18-I-90-Interchange-031924.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the new Diverging Diamond Interchange is complete later this year, a tributary to Lake Creek will cross beneath the I-90 off-ramp to SR 18, flow under both I-90 bridges alongside the new interchange, and head under the SR 18 ramp to eastbound I-90 without barriers to swimming fish.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Along SR 18, we are removing six barriers and installing two new bridges so that fish can swim further up Deep Creek and Lake Creek. These new stream crossings will restore access to 13 miles of vital stream habitat.</p>
<h4>Channeling efforts under I-90</h4>
<p>Beneath I-90, construction crews are reopening stream access that has been blocked for decades by culverts, making it difficult or impossible for fish to swim under the freeway near SR 18. Obstructions such as these have contributed to a decline in native salmon populations across the region. The walls being built on the east side of the interchange will help form a deep channel in the stream. This makes safe and easier passage for fish beneath the I-90 bridges.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJRp2ccP1hr1EpQs5k6n3nxCAJWxHoML5TMqdUkjKZc-OYGbUsIVPM9KeKs2GLZ81AM-v7BCUTrzzRtaSWY2-tLLfhI1gRRJm9m5o72fI1RUJiqfxGGLvYsTZPRMk2Ba1T308We6_SIGrmujMFjLkqeqWeM7whEfB4QgNA74jbssxkLbovy-nyC8zQj0/s1600/032524-Excavation-under-I-90.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Under a bridge carrying the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 over State Route 18, crews are clearing an area and building support structures for walls for a new channel that will run under the freeway. Dirt and rocks cover the ground and plywood separates the work area from SR 18, while a yellow excavator is in the background." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJRp2ccP1hr1EpQs5k6n3nxCAJWxHoML5TMqdUkjKZc-OYGbUsIVPM9KeKs2GLZ81AM-v7BCUTrzzRtaSWY2-tLLfhI1gRRJm9m5o72fI1RUJiqfxGGLvYsTZPRMk2Ba1T308We6_SIGrmujMFjLkqeqWeM7whEfB4QgNA74jbssxkLbovy-nyC8zQj0/w640-h360/032524-Excavation-under-I-90.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews are building walls under I-90 bridges that will eventually form part of a stream channel under the freeway along SR 18. The channel will replace barriers to fish migration along a tributary to Lake Creek. (Photo courtesy Aecon)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Figuring out how to build these walls turned out to be a bit tricky, especially since parts of them needed to fit beneath the existing I-90 bridges. There isn’t room for standard 40-foot-tall supports, so crews opted for 51 “micro-piles,” each 25 feet tall. These smaller columns are tied together in groups of two or three to support the walls.</p>
<p>When finished, the concrete wall faces will be covered with a stone finish to give them a more natural look. Sand, gravel, boulders and other materials will be added to turn the three-sided stream channel into a welcoming environment for salmon returning to spawn.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaiXExB121oaOcvIWf3jKGSOGXt6mNiE7LmC6_ZoGsU0ZTZiytxEwlmaeJ5pqzZXm9AYziX9j0yfbV28s59d5CmO7in3Kno9yjbZN1C9vFBLUufKYbOL1tfbyt1KFge-Q1xXaR-8Vtii1wztL_UwoW0UQZCDVdDENIswuF1mR1X9dy7Fy4Z9d8JxgWDQ/s1019/Screen-grab-for-I-90-SR18-fish-passage-blog.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Graphical representation of what the new Diverging Diamond Interchange will look like from southbound State Route 18 under Interstate 90. A stream channel with logs and other natural features is shown at the left running beneath a bridge." border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1019" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaiXExB121oaOcvIWf3jKGSOGXt6mNiE7LmC6_ZoGsU0ZTZiytxEwlmaeJ5pqzZXm9AYziX9j0yfbV28s59d5CmO7in3Kno9yjbZN1C9vFBLUufKYbOL1tfbyt1KFge-Q1xXaR-8Vtii1wztL_UwoW0UQZCDVdDENIswuF1mR1X9dy7Fy4Z9d8JxgWDQ/w640-h360/Screen-grab-for-I-90-SR18-fish-passage-blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new stream channel will allow the Lake Creek tributary to flow along SR 18 under both directions of I-90 next to the new Diverging Diamond Interchange.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The reconnected waterway is expected to be ready for fish at the end of summer 2024. The channel has a secondary benefit of providing capacity for high stream flows during heavy rains. These new water crossing structures are built to last at least 75 years – helping reduce road closures during floods and providing more reliable transportation routes for the communities we serve.</p>
<p>This work is part of our ongoing effort to <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage/improving-fish-passage">improve fish passage</a> and reconnect waterways in Washington state that have been blocked by roads. We have worked for nearly three decades to improve fish passage and reconnect streams to help keep waterways healthy. A <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage/federal-court-injunction-fish-passage">2013 federal injunction</a> also directed WSDOT to significantly speed up efforts to replace fish barriers.</p>
<p>The new channel for the Lake Creek tributary is also part of the $190 million I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement project being designed and built by Aecon. Once the project finishes in early 2025, we will have built the diverging diamond interchange and widened about two miles of SR 18 south of I-90 to improve safety and traffic flow in the area.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiGPH4NaTc1K1raZ5G8QUlvF75skYk3EvcdVkUPsytt_Aor85qWvS1KMLjEMCE8ySr3k8xL3FMHvG7IKbD_ditNy0t0texdiFmYhwm8Mppg0DrJ0nR453fPdGrVVqh3MahjP33BcoKRpa1Y64Adm8XPZJXcVuNRRw1aDoolqJO9UD5ZdJUTGi4ioEExQ/s1600/030524-Walls-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crews work underneath the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 over State Route 18. Concrete barrier separates the work zone from SR 18." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiGPH4NaTc1K1raZ5G8QUlvF75skYk3EvcdVkUPsytt_Aor85qWvS1KMLjEMCE8ySr3k8xL3FMHvG7IKbD_ditNy0t0texdiFmYhwm8Mppg0DrJ0nR453fPdGrVVqh3MahjP33BcoKRpa1Y64Adm8XPZJXcVuNRRw1aDoolqJO9UD5ZdJUTGi4ioEExQ/w640-h360/030524-Walls-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews build a bench to install columns that will eventually support a wall <br />beneath the eastbound lanes of I-90 over SR 18<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6bpAeCtetlzWCL-LeMRyMS07yCSXRVJ195a0tEKVp27kGOZSducuDnID_nsXDPXrYIXWfuk6T8l0IrmIl1hozXX8cY1s_wQTenMC1vosMVv7A5tCtQEUzU26RVc5b-i45gXDkYsgkpAjPMVhSd-iQKNKK2JLWHNSg0dYOv-8ntxIjmoRIPpfWnfJWzM/s1600/032524-TestMicropiles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crews build support structures near the I-90/SR 18 interchange. Crew members and machinery work atop a slope that leads to State Route 18 beneath an I-90 overpass." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6bpAeCtetlzWCL-LeMRyMS07yCSXRVJ195a0tEKVp27kGOZSducuDnID_nsXDPXrYIXWfuk6T8l0IrmIl1hozXX8cY1s_wQTenMC1vosMVv7A5tCtQEUzU26RVc5b-i45gXDkYsgkpAjPMVhSd-iQKNKK2JLWHNSg0dYOv-8ntxIjmoRIPpfWnfJWzM/w640-h360/032524-TestMicropiles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction crews are in the early stages of building a wall along the east end of the I-90/SR interchange. The wall will help form and a stream channel under the I-90 bridges, helping to open fish access along a tributary to Lake Creek. (Photo courtesy Aecon)</td></tr></tbody></table>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-82283465178298165042024-03-12T15:26:00.000-07:002024-03-19T12:01:48.867-07:00Maintaining momentum: improving fish access and roadway resiliency for every Washingtonian<p><em>By Barbara LaBoe</em></p>
<p>Our <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage">Fish Passage Program</a> – restoring access and habitat to salmon that was blocked by previous transportation projects – is massive by any definition.</p>
<p>The number of projects (more than 500), the miles of potential habitat to be restored (more than 1,000 miles) and, yes, the number of road closures or disruptions that accompany this work are all on a large scale. It's work we started statewide in the early 1990s, but a western Washington area emphasis and deadline were added to the mix by the 2013 federal court injunction and subsequent legal rulings.</p>
<p>The challenges also have been massive. No other state DOT or any other organization has ever been tasked with resolving generations of environmental harm in such a short timeline. By the time Legislative funding was ramped up to address the court requirements we had just a little more than a decade until the 2030 deadline. (The federal court injunction requires we restore 90 percent of habitat blocked by state highways within the injunction area by 2030.)</p>
<p>It's taken a lot of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oFZ1VSzMjA">work</a>. Through it all we've learned a lot, made good progress and are doing everything within our control to meet the aggressive deadline, though additional funding will play a key factor in that.</p>
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<h4>So, where are we?</h4>
<p>We've done a lot and created great momentum with work stretching from Whatcom to Clallam to Pacific counties and many spots in between.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQnKE4Xmpj4LeDWvJ9srOrGDPrcbFhIddxCbzQ8foMKLNAbtx4uKuDTxnO7MlEtuT9FMre8d1KhPyejFUmSIM2c6oOjCxxtXrxDLtmYEpd48mzY9CzHnBqH6YVa46px2J5Ae7Jahz2aINrvoYQqf899KRgmZUYlmy-HggjubJZAwqIjflV5C_Fv75FRE/s1500/fish-passage-2023-map.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A map of western Washington shows locations of fish passage projects completed between 2013 and 2022." border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1500" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQnKE4Xmpj4LeDWvJ9srOrGDPrcbFhIddxCbzQ8foMKLNAbtx4uKuDTxnO7MlEtuT9FMre8d1KhPyejFUmSIM2c6oOjCxxtXrxDLtmYEpd48mzY9CzHnBqH6YVa46px2J5Ae7Jahz2aINrvoYQqf899KRgmZUYlmy-HggjubJZAwqIjflV5C_Fv75FRE/w640-h622/fish-passage-2023-map.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This map shows fish passage work completed through 2022, not including work completed in 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>As of January 2024, we have corrected 146 injunction barriers, opening 569 miles of potential fish habitat. By this summer, we plan to have more than 200 more barrier corrections under construction contract. Once those additional barriers are corrected, we will have restored 75% of blocked habitat.</p>
<p>To get to the 90% by 2030 requires an additional $3.5-$4 billion. The injunction required us to do the highest habitat gain projects first. Many of the first projects were the lowest cost and most straight forward. The remaining sites are both more difficult and more expensive. We've also learned a lot about what is needed in this work and faced challenges such as supply chain issues, workforce and construction industry shortages, and needed design changes as we learned more about each site. We continue working with state leaders, tribal partners and others on solutions to keep making progress without losing the overall project momentum.</p>
<p>Field surveys done by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirm fish are returning to many of the restored waterways, and we've also seen it ourselves. It isn't always overnight – sometimes it can take years for fish to return to some locations after decades of blocked access – but they are returning. In September, in just one example, we shared <a href="https://twitter.com/wsdot_tacoma/status/1706801339316212008">a video on social media</a> of a salmon zipping through Leland Creek near US 101 even before the final work was fully completed.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMGlpblv5rRStjSqRuyUwuN4D4R69aHHxWwmi0-MdZysIY7r5nwe97pcGXEj7kFGylWLFi9aDh3JY-l0qav6HHpApmx3qCqZDghX1mJWCBNwA5xUnrpkbwGP9gocW4LiyHfsf1yI3qcpn1L41X9Rl2shvduHSQCPX6g8QUZ-M8I-vbHW9ho-JYIRrSw0/s1200/us-101-siebert-creek-fish-passage-steelhead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Three deer walk through the creek under the road. The large culverts are visible as well as logs put in place to help with habitat restoration." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMGlpblv5rRStjSqRuyUwuN4D4R69aHHxWwmi0-MdZysIY7r5nwe97pcGXEj7kFGylWLFi9aDh3JY-l0qav6HHpApmx3qCqZDghX1mJWCBNwA5xUnrpkbwGP9gocW4LiyHfsf1yI3qcpn1L41X9Rl2shvduHSQCPX6g8QUZ-M8I-vbHW9ho-JYIRrSw0/w640-h480/us-101-siebert-creek-fish-passage-steelhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first Chinook salmon observed returning to the waterway moves through Siebert Creek in 2021 after completion of a fish passage project at State Route 101 between Port Angeles and Sequim. <br />WDFW photo</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Wide ranging benefits</h4>
<p>The work to restore salmon to our state's environment, our waterways, our tribal partners and all people in Washington is important in its own right. But our fish passage work has many ripples of additional benefits.</p>
<p>Replacing aging culverts and bridges over waterways also make our roadways more resilient for travelers. Bridges in flood-prone areas may not need to close as often when new structures are designed for higher water flows. Building new structures to current day seismic standards means bridges replaced to improve fish flow also better withstand earthquakes.</p>
<p>The restored natural stream conditions in our finished projects may also provide better and expanded habitat access for wildlife once the fish barriers are removed. Work at Padden Creek and Interstate 5 in Bellingham, for example, included an area with a history of vehicles striking deer on the roadway. The fish passage design at this site allowed enough room for deer to pass under the roadway, reducing the risk of crashes and injuries or death to travelers.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma_Pp8pRmZO1Kw1GKPeO_dqWLaQsQj1H7NhQi9zIZggXjYUTUmtlI-7pn88yvJ53D98f5JLwHSkl94t_jWVfmahUe5PU5Eopogv9aTZtUwVaLXUHsx4xkghFS7lmctfiGBMcwm7ozS1BgtbJ07tAHPTKeAqrcDe7lAMKfFSpYwKFBqwomV7GpOY0TEX8/s958/padden-creek-after.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An adult steelhead salmon makes its way up a shallow creek during spawning season." border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="958" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma_Pp8pRmZO1Kw1GKPeO_dqWLaQsQj1H7NhQi9zIZggXjYUTUmtlI-7pn88yvJ53D98f5JLwHSkl94t_jWVfmahUe5PU5Eopogv9aTZtUwVaLXUHsx4xkghFS7lmctfiGBMcwm7ozS1BgtbJ07tAHPTKeAqrcDe7lAMKfFSpYwKFBqwomV7GpOY0TEX8/w640-h448/padden-creek-after.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer use new access under Interstate 5 at Padden Creek in Bellingham after a fish passage project improved access for many types of wildlife. Allowing deer better access under the roadway is designed to reduce the number of deer-vehicle collisions on the highway.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Thriving salmon and steelhead also:</p>
<ul>
<li>Provide an important food source for over 100 species of wildlife, including orca whales.</li>
<li>Contribute to Washington's economy through recreational and commercial fishing.</li>
<li>Support an estimated 16,000 jobs and over $500 million in personal income alone.</li>
<li>Create jobs and benefit local economies through habitat restoration work.</li>
<li>Have cultural importance to the many tribes who rely on salmon and steelhead as a food source. Washington state must uphold treaty-reserved fishing rights, ensuring that salmon are present and available for harvest.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Aren't there other barriers?</h4>
<p>Our work – and the court order – focuses on state-owned roads, culverts and bridges, but fish passage barriers on state-owned roads are only part of the larger picture. Sometimes there also are blocked culverts above or below areas we have projects. We try to partner with other barrier owners whenever possible when we do work.</p>
<p>Our work alone may not fully restore access, but it can help create momentum for overall restoration of the waterway. Previous work makes it easier for smaller agencies, tribes and landowners to obtain grants and funding for their portion of the work because they can point to the benefit of adding to the new state improvements.</p>
<p>The federal injunction directs us to restore habitat – and to measure that habitat from the WSDOT barrier to the first natural fish barrier (such as a natural waterfall) in the system. We contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to measure these. Because other, human-made barriers are considered temporary under the court order (and must be replaced by their owners) the injunction measures the potential restored habitat as the length fish could travel within the system from the WSDOT barrier, regardless of the presence of other human-made barriers near our work.</p>
<p>To be clear, the barriers owned by others also need to be addressed – and the owners are required to under state law – but they're not subject to the federal court order or the 2030 deadline. That means we're often the first to do this work, and we're one piece of the overall watershed restoration puzzle.</p>
<h4>Our work is not done</h4>
<p>This a permanent injunction so our role and responsibilities extend beyond the 2030 deadline. The goal is to ensure fish access is restored and maintained as new barriers are identified – and we remain committed to this work and program.</p>
<p>And while the scope of work remains massive, it's also rewarding. We've seen habitat improved and fish return to waterways. We've also begun rebuilding trust and relationships with Washington tribes through this work. Since the injunction, we have worked extensively with our tribal partners and continue to do so on how best to approach fish passage into the future.</p>
<p>This challenging, massive amount of work takes time. The reward is knowing that repairing generations of environmental harm by removing outdated fish barriers will benefit Washingtonians for many more generations to come.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-35416234505399285832024-03-15T10:21:00.000-07:002024-03-15T10:21:27.440-07:00Paint Maps: The Origin Story<p><em>By Sean Quinn and MJ Johnson</em></p>
<p>Back-to-back Taylor Swift concerts at Lumen Field, Seattle Mariners vs. Toronto Blue Jays, Bite of Seattle and the Capitol Hill Block Party plus closures on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge, SR 520, and SR 18 - all in the same weekend. The question for us is how do we help the public comprehend the volume of people moving through Washington state, and get where they need to or want to go? Enter, Paint Maps.</p>
<p>For a little less than a decade now, a summer tradition has both entertained and informed our social media followers to plan ahead and know before they go. These artistic masterpieces, affectionately known as our Paint Maps, are made by our Communications team to prepare travelers for most busy summer weekends. We’ve been asked what goes into makes these and why do we do them?</p>
<p>It’s a simple recipe really: A Google map base layer, some detailed but straight-to-the-point text boxes, and of course, the doodles. The not-so-perfectly drawn, but good enough combination. All to reach as wide an audience as possible to keep folks aware of what’s happening each busy summer weekend. But a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into getting them from the planning stage to the eyes of tens of thousands. While it’s still winter, why not start thinking of warm sunshine while we take a deep dive into the creation of our weekly summer Paint Maps!</p>
<h4>History</h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDWFvWUlo3ZDoLs4po7h0d48UBW8jJyLLqGcyzqvXo0dmNQmo53SGQ51eT1fmD-AEJFJTAYWjOZKf4fNBdBb9vA6bf31OVwlHJE2cxTbEKwDlkJ_K-DUSVS3qsgpI7fd7WOT27hEMgkRb3qFmeeAJKasc0xtAWNDLkkeEhbXBrTIZHX-w0LTFRyZ5Apc/s975/paint-map-montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A collage of many Paints Maps that we’ve put out on social media the last eight years (2016-2023)." border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="975" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDWFvWUlo3ZDoLs4po7h0d48UBW8jJyLLqGcyzqvXo0dmNQmo53SGQ51eT1fmD-AEJFJTAYWjOZKf4fNBdBb9vA6bf31OVwlHJE2cxTbEKwDlkJ_K-DUSVS3qsgpI7fd7WOT27hEMgkRb3qFmeeAJKasc0xtAWNDLkkeEhbXBrTIZHX-w0LTFRyZ5Apc/w640-h360/paint-map-montage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collage of many Paints Maps that we’ve put out on social media the last eight years (2016-2023)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Simply doing a text post for every project with some basic pictures can get stale. During the summers from 2014 to 2016 we would occasionally go live on Facebook, showing the various big impact events and construction/maintenance coming across the entire state using a handy-dandy whiteboard with illustrations drawn with expo pens. We also started adding some silly drawings to the mix. It got folks’ attention, and ultimately that’s a major goal. A more informed traveling public is a better traveling public.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tcE3XivZMbFXqAS9mzmSV5mX_XDWR1vt9rNE6cyrE9ZFj1AbRbTXm9uObRWfz-csjpnbNUTskwlFKE3E4j0uR-u9ElXbUlHOW1EDJZgBa9-gz7GyFD-1-mVqATnv40yH4dTlVTq6b7KHThHbGjqapyththiFdiHEu7xDQVvIckDznLZCezzUqHY4Gk/s590/mike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A WSDOT communicator using a white board and drawings on a hand drawn Washington state map to show impactful events and construction taking place during a busy summer weekend back in 2015." border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tcE3XivZMbFXqAS9mzmSV5mX_XDWR1vt9rNE6cyrE9ZFj1AbRbTXm9uObRWfz-csjpnbNUTskwlFKE3E4j0uR-u9ElXbUlHOW1EDJZgBa9-gz7GyFD-1-mVqATnv40yH4dTlVTq6b7KHThHbGjqapyththiFdiHEu7xDQVvIckDznLZCezzUqHY4Gk/s16000/mike.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A WSDOT communicator using a white board and drawings on a hand drawn Washington state map to show impactful events and construction taking place during <br />a busy summer weekend back in 2015</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Back in June of 2016, ahead of a jam-packed summer weekend (Pride weekend, Sounders and Mariners games, a car show, etc.) we wanted to come up with a new and creative way to get our message across, and one of our communicators did a quick doodle in Snipping Tool. All it took was a map and some pretty colors, and voila.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN_mfuY9KZHfBr3oVZf4NrS493md2Fo1aVgyfz6nTawub-94PtLzoVyxAXcuAvivuCE87tbc3xUzqeL0Q50dns2bw5El3ywrIdi-ENcCoP5tpO1oc89mex6r5BXXyp7XHAbq7reqfI4vHZN3ld1HBqnzzTSKWqM9QLl_jyzlgObLgAlzdBfc3zYEpk1c/s323/paint-map-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A screenshot from the first ever WSDOT Paint Map, from the weekend of June 24-26, 2016. On the Paint Map, events include Hoopfest, a busy I-90 weekend, Mariners and Sounders games, Capitol Hill Pride, and a car show in Greenwood, Seattle." border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN_mfuY9KZHfBr3oVZf4NrS493md2Fo1aVgyfz6nTawub-94PtLzoVyxAXcuAvivuCE87tbc3xUzqeL0Q50dns2bw5El3ywrIdi-ENcCoP5tpO1oc89mex6r5BXXyp7XHAbq7reqfI4vHZN3ld1HBqnzzTSKWqM9QLl_jyzlgObLgAlzdBfc3zYEpk1c/s16000/paint-map-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screenshot from the first ever WSDOT Paint Map, from the weekend of June 24-26, 2016. On the Paint Map, events include Hoopfest, a busy I-90 weekend, Mariners and Sounders games, Capitol Hill Pride, and a car show <br />in Greenwood, Seattle</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>You never know how some of these outside-the-box ideas will go over, but to our delight the picture got a lot of admiration on the platform formerly known as Twitter (now X). While the map wasn’t exactly a masterpiece, comments at the time called it a “beautiful piece of art.” No sense in re-inventing the wheel, we made it a weekly thing every summer weekend for the next seven years. Typically, that means once a week every Thursday/Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends (with a few exceptions here and there). Why summer? That’s when the busiest weekends are for construction, maintenance, and special events!</p>
<h4>The process – Data collecting</h4>
<p>What is the process of making the Paint Maps? First comes getting the information, go straight to the source.</p>
<p>First things first, a group of about 50 of our statewide communicators meet at the beginning of each week to discuss work crews have planned for the week and the weekend ahead, along with any noteworthy major events taking place. Throughout the week, as work plans change and weather forecasts come in, we keep each other updated.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TF555DtenS0x8KnVwzoQjtrRpdudmhcznLgInnXFPOPXtwf3txo6uigup4Ow8lvNLxzwyvVRTzIGJcUBhsyQnZb64wh45FodejB1aJz00dx5BgC59eZsHsbD8luBpGNphyQDXPBnBqkK2iHwLdyfChUzxusGZP-zi5Z5ZLyteVHTh7sUKLvzr_iKtHg/s936/paint-map-email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An example of an email sent from the writer of the Paint Maps to our Communications team, noting the events and construction we have Labor Day Weekend, 2023." border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="936" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TF555DtenS0x8KnVwzoQjtrRpdudmhcznLgInnXFPOPXtwf3txo6uigup4Ow8lvNLxzwyvVRTzIGJcUBhsyQnZb64wh45FodejB1aJz00dx5BgC59eZsHsbD8luBpGNphyQDXPBnBqkK2iHwLdyfChUzxusGZP-zi5Z5ZLyteVHTh7sUKLvzr_iKtHg/w640-h390/paint-map-email.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of an email sent from the writer of the Paint Maps to our Communications team, noting the events and construction we have Labor Day Weekend, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Whether it’s through a virtual meeting, phone call or email, all of this information makes its way to two communicators: the designers of the Paint Maps. Yep, it’s a two-person crew that turns a whole lot of text into digital artwork (oh, and before you ask – they do lots of other work too, not just the Paint Maps).</p>
<h4>Trust the process – Creative writing</h4>
<p>One communicator takes all the information and filters it into a hefty bullet point list with: What the work is/name of the event, where it’s taking place and the timeframe. Some weekends, the list is as small as 6-8 items, others it’s more than 16 and requires some adapting like removing some of the less-impactful ones or making two Paint Maps for one weekend. In most cases, it’s not that we forgot about a particular event, it’s that we just can’t fit EVERYTHING on the map.</p>
<p>Once the team filters the list of items down to a manageable load, typically 15 or less, the writer finalizes their work in the text blurbs that later go on the map. The blurbs are written in the same style: Name of the event/what’s closing, location of the event/work, and the start time (event) or duration of work (construction/maintenance). The written blurbs are then sent to the artist.</p>
<h4>Trust the process – The doodling</h4>
<p>Now for the magic, the doodles. The artist takes the information and chooses drawings that are appropriate for the work being done. If there’s a festival or concert, a logo or portrait of the musician/event may work. If it’s construction on a bridge, maybe a drawing of a bridge, maintenance vehicle, or traffic cone. The possibilities are endless.</p>
<p>Now, it’s time to reveal the sources behind the magic. Although Microsoft Paint served us well for many years, we switched over to using Canva in 2022. This speeds up the process and allows for more detail in the drawings such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and even Seattle Kraken mascot, Buoy.</p>
<h4>Okay, what’s next?</h4>
<p><strong>Next comes the actual artwork. Here’s how it works:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Step One: </strong>The first step is to go to Google Maps and take a snapshot of the state that includes where all the work and events are happening. Then we add the WSDOT logo at the bottom right, weekend dates at the top right, and identify which direction is north (we love geography).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6geA27_tmt-5U6sHJTyXlE6ZRaozeTDOiD2VJKPCJ_8G_nk6JSAJ0W1RcvgJEnLjat7OXdC_InB3FfXGH8P9Km-G60GqRB7-GoqGiXHQC-fzZodMOii5kc8yLFHkWJQMlArYMaR8He1jigUgTZQtPdDa1Xo-8YpaiFMdFYeXlvi4CaxiCTjDt17EHHs/s945/paint-map-process-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="945" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6geA27_tmt-5U6sHJTyXlE6ZRaozeTDOiD2VJKPCJ_8G_nk6JSAJ0W1RcvgJEnLjat7OXdC_InB3FfXGH8P9Km-G60GqRB7-GoqGiXHQC-fzZodMOii5kc8yLFHkWJQMlArYMaR8He1jigUgTZQtPdDa1Xo-8YpaiFMdFYeXlvi4CaxiCTjDt17EHHs/w640-h368/paint-map-process-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p><strong>Step two: </strong>Next is adding in all those written blurbs to the areas where the work or event is happening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmOhSdd1EkJXt2v4N8y9IKVHxs2DGjUv90mjT-64NCrJsokJphASWDdCyiATfVKBLEjuLKVPyc6FWbyupJMG4ERvDRZjpEGwzUXh_x5sqhgJcZrUctmNOPNq1t4DwC8wZwXGI_5hZYgCNq0eypGv7_Uj476IBe8mLoaM4ltF5YsuujFKd4CjBd4GJoEI/s1100/paint-map-process-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1100" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmOhSdd1EkJXt2v4N8y9IKVHxs2DGjUv90mjT-64NCrJsokJphASWDdCyiATfVKBLEjuLKVPyc6FWbyupJMG4ERvDRZjpEGwzUXh_x5sqhgJcZrUctmNOPNq1t4DwC8wZwXGI_5hZYgCNq0eypGv7_Uj476IBe8mLoaM4ltF5YsuujFKd4CjBd4GJoEI/w640-h366/paint-map-process-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p><strong>Step three: </strong>Then we add all the transparent circles and arrows that point to where the work/events are taking place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4NNwImucLyqqdlJxmn4ZhJ47bzRBKruwGAW_9_x2QMT9Bnm83uVXeitjnwFyOJWMychghVkFA_NXU3NuqPKlPjBDV2V9dpRzXmuwO4LwHYdzJqbiOc5vQrS8OVzddjD5uc3V08hmeisbdK3rbErbIy0FFF6emxSH_wQ9889WMaIy1E3yeHIABQ8hjgU/s1100/paint-map-process-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1100" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4NNwImucLyqqdlJxmn4ZhJ47bzRBKruwGAW_9_x2QMT9Bnm83uVXeitjnwFyOJWMychghVkFA_NXU3NuqPKlPjBDV2V9dpRzXmuwO4LwHYdzJqbiOc5vQrS8OVzddjD5uc3V08hmeisbdK3rbErbIy0FFF6emxSH_wQ9889WMaIy1E3yeHIABQ8hjgU/w640-h372/paint-map-process-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><strong>Step four: </strong>Now that the basics are done, we get to the fun part, the doodles.</p>
<p>You may be asking, with all that detail, are you really free handing everything? The simple answer is no. Not everything is free-handed, but a majority are! The traffic cones, bridges, cranes, maintenance vehicles and so on are generally all drawn by hand. It’s the more detailed drawings where we get a little help. For those, the communicator uses tracing methods for more inspiration and guidance.</p>
<p>Once the doodles are completed, they’re placed onto the map next to the blurbs. A lot of moving around of blurbs and doodles is done to make sure the map is clean and readable. Sometimes if there’s not enough room, we may have to cut an event or two and do more re-arranging until it all looks pretty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXx_Svdtp9u_oo7mlj5_6wNFSOt3eqewA3tZcIGJVsT1i4TYi9OyppAuHCCB0U7RKw35btwJlQUZY8rV4JoGFP-5-oUIAW3cpBt11-ftvK4Qj-pLw2_7nFrueBFfK-e8dgKAVN6n2q4nawmTCDmn2WearUCrOJuE1JBKwcRu8mNP5EznLTI7Ccb_IfCc/s1100/paint-map-process-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1100" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXx_Svdtp9u_oo7mlj5_6wNFSOt3eqewA3tZcIGJVsT1i4TYi9OyppAuHCCB0U7RKw35btwJlQUZY8rV4JoGFP-5-oUIAW3cpBt11-ftvK4Qj-pLw2_7nFrueBFfK-e8dgKAVN6n2q4nawmTCDmn2WearUCrOJuE1JBKwcRu8mNP5EznLTI7Ccb_IfCc/w640-h310/paint-map-process-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>The final product – The post</h4>
<p>Once the Paint Map is finished our team posts them on our social media channels including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Reddit. And sometimes, even TikTok if we’re feeling cheeky! Then it’s rinse and repeat the same formula every week until the summer ends.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEMnK4lGKBksjPk8T2JwsXmKuWbBElPqFH6v93KRJt17WeNG0lIV7Ha_JMqw1iCYg2KFPNR_RlQnXsC_wN_q30oV-a5BC15oWXk2eCy_vNmz0ZW0oCuVKjVs7g0UgzEzTA6lFwht_nqoTBKAtSAHO7uo_fhNjPOGCLMBfri5Wfo_ejz7KaQE3wSaJw8Q/s426/paint-map-tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A tweet from the WSDOT Traffic X/Twitter account with the Labor Day 2023 Paint Map attached. The tweet says the Labor Day paint map is here, and there’s a lot of events happening which means increased traffic all around so good to keep the Paint Map close by. It also says that at the time of the tweet, SR 20 North Cascades Highway was an active fire area and was subject to unplanned closures." border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEMnK4lGKBksjPk8T2JwsXmKuWbBElPqFH6v93KRJt17WeNG0lIV7Ha_JMqw1iCYg2KFPNR_RlQnXsC_wN_q30oV-a5BC15oWXk2eCy_vNmz0ZW0oCuVKjVs7g0UgzEzTA6lFwht_nqoTBKAtSAHO7uo_fhNjPOGCLMBfri5Wfo_ejz7KaQE3wSaJw8Q/s16000/paint-map-tweet.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tweet from the WSDOT Traffic X/Twitter account with the Labor Day 2023 Paint Map attached. The tweet says the Labor Day paint map is here, and there’s a lot of events happening which means increased traffic all around so good to keep the Paint Map close by. It also says that at the time of the tweet, SR 20 North Cascades Highway was an active fire area and was subject <br />to unplanned closures.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>The future</h4>
<p>As the popular expression goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As long as the public continues to (for the most part) like them, and they’re getting the vital traffic information they need, we’ll keep doing them! As for the future, the looks of the Paint Map may change here and there, but the formula will remain the same. Whatever it takes to get the word out about our busy summer, we’re doing it. The Paint Maps are not meant to be perfect creations, but useful infotainment. We’ll keep painting pretty little trees and traffic cones, as long as the public continues to appreciate them!</p>
<h4>Paint maps from years past</h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LMoI4snoCGC7aw494vN8w3uzP34ttUHfmoeo9Zrn7skjPIKEYhEML3yPkpRGt2MnuQzqHJFqzgeH7xkzEFo5sBLcWHjrrwkNQstfBYkqEgVe-hVjD_5Dgd8TR7MNWRx1O5SEt1woUOvVevUbIqBd2hNQzHb-VC1PUSbfAouc7EgUzoKyAhZRpqVNGZI/s927/paint-map-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Paint Map from the weekend of Sept. 15-18 2017." border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="927" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LMoI4snoCGC7aw494vN8w3uzP34ttUHfmoeo9Zrn7skjPIKEYhEML3yPkpRGt2MnuQzqHJFqzgeH7xkzEFo5sBLcWHjrrwkNQstfBYkqEgVe-hVjD_5Dgd8TR7MNWRx1O5SEt1woUOvVevUbIqBd2hNQzHb-VC1PUSbfAouc7EgUzoKyAhZRpqVNGZI/w640-h424/paint-map-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Paint Map from the weekend of Sept. 15-18 2017</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT0qe7v8vHm90YvYI4iFon9Uebldi-XNfycbjC3IMf02D7ZTdGUtfurEHU6qbIVbMYJGH4KgPeGSEnm0GvG5qglQftBdquxi7WoJeaRRJN8N4hH1xcvl8aloUKHdc7_Gr5OBJTiExwpQ3VNad-yMquqYAHsgCFPJQwI3S50_MrE73p0zSNdsQQE8rXck/s862/paint-map-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="862" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicT0qe7v8vHm90YvYI4iFon9Uebldi-XNfycbjC3IMf02D7ZTdGUtfurEHU6qbIVbMYJGH4KgPeGSEnm0GvG5qglQftBdquxi7WoJeaRRJN8N4hH1xcvl8aloUKHdc7_Gr5OBJTiExwpQ3VNad-yMquqYAHsgCFPJQwI3S50_MrE73p0zSNdsQQE8rXck/w640-h386/paint-map-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5e3-xcvJNRKfD3-O0sSgK3myl7KKTXlnpbhjMvG56nMUlPwkfwoavbtM7txwiMaJ6dBGSYCCAQ8kG9bXGyWoZNwB4FrY9kY-CwzNZLAyGn9q2Ukhp6uaJWnjz8YwoEXdba4YFOto_wsgUlM9eOckiw-rzPLH2Hiboa7fnOJONXRVEm5zLzZaWKp0b5c/s858/paint-map-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The now-infamous Taylor Swift-themed Paint Maps from the weekend of July 21-24, 2023." border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="858" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5e3-xcvJNRKfD3-O0sSgK3myl7KKTXlnpbhjMvG56nMUlPwkfwoavbtM7txwiMaJ6dBGSYCCAQ8kG9bXGyWoZNwB4FrY9kY-CwzNZLAyGn9q2Ukhp6uaJWnjz8YwoEXdba4YFOto_wsgUlM9eOckiw-rzPLH2Hiboa7fnOJONXRVEm5zLzZaWKp0b5c/w640-h476/paint-map-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The now-infamous Taylor Swift-themed Paint Maps from the weekend of July 21-24, 2023</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Want to browse a selection of our favorite Paint Maps from years past? Check out our Flickr album of them here: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720315315201">https://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720315315201</a></p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-73180501017440928412024-02-29T15:24:00.000-08:002024-02-29T15:27:50.630-08:00Take a look under the hood: Understanding the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT lanes<p>Changes are coming to the I-405 express toll lanes (ETLs) and SR 167 HOT lanes March 1, including <a href="https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2023/12/i-405-sr-167-toll-rate-changes.html">new minimum and maximum toll rates and extended hours of operations</a>. We know there are a lot of questions about the benefits of the express toll lanes and HOT lanes and how things will work with the new rates. In this blog, we share more about how the tolled lanes keep traffic moving, and where your toll money goes.</p>
<h4>How does the system work?</h4>
<p>Toll rates change based on real-time traffic conditions, and beginning March 1 the tolls will range from $1 to $15 for drivers with a <em>Good To Go! </em>pass.</p>
<p>The toll rates are adjusted every five minutes by an algorithm that assesses the level of congestion throughout the corridors and within each of the toll zones – one zone for SR 167 and three on I-405, corresponding with the three rates you see on each sign.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJPJziHxCzyhVCBT4U9tu6rCi4SIScvICbUSDXAMANyL287z6z30XSP7kbUz5XlaEITqJKwmlb-ziLdOzdZB-zm3v8jv5jM59vLnNlDu1DDdmKP-xcF5FgDfhyZuKukbUgvRnukqUPoIAXAka2tvwE6k6WydZ16txsZLEiJ8f283UFDM4EsyLyiX14gs/s1260/etl-sign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A toll rate sign above I-405 shows a different toll rate for each of the toll zones, demonstrating how drivers will pay a different toll depending on how far they travel in the toll lanes." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1260" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJPJziHxCzyhVCBT4U9tu6rCi4SIScvICbUSDXAMANyL287z6z30XSP7kbUz5XlaEITqJKwmlb-ziLdOzdZB-zm3v8jv5jM59vLnNlDu1DDdmKP-xcF5FgDfhyZuKukbUgvRnukqUPoIAXAka2tvwE6k6WydZ16txsZLEiJ8f283UFDM4EsyLyiX14gs/w640-h458/etl-sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A toll rate sign on I-405 shows what toll you will pay depending on how far you want to travel in the toll lanes. In this case for someone who plans to exit the lanes at the end of the first toll zone – Northeast 128th Street they would pay $6.75. For people continuing on through the second toll zone – which ends at Northeast 85th Street, or the third – which ends at Northeast 6th Street – <br />they would pay $8 for their trip.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>As congestion increases on the roadway, the toll rates increase to help control the amount of vehicles entering the tolled lanes. The goal is to prioritize moving more people through the corridor, particularly those traveling toll-free by carpooling and using transit, and for drivers who choose to pay a toll when they need a reliable trip the most.</p>
<h4>How do the express toll lanes actually help move traffic?</h4>
<p>One way to measure the effectiveness of the express toll lanes is to compare them to similar corridors without express toll lanes. In November 2023, we looked at daily vehicle volumes on northbound I-5 at Northeast 145th street, where the highway features four general purpose lanes and one HOV lane. On this segment of I-5, daily volumes averaged 87,000 vehicles. During that same period, daily volumes on northbound I-405 just north of Northeast 85th Street —where the highway contains three general purpose lanes and two tolled lanes — averaged 108,000 vehicles.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-djWGeskP7vLfuKJq-3PR1rg3jeTdNDyI2G5Q0PUe2XWwwOt7B_XICSPzXK1qfLMQtynulNe0AxvfXrsETxdouWu4TvbsOsg_qu_wqspyoTJ4nBKOu_CU4ToPc5twhaZzc1a8-1NI7cOlOyHx23B0XAO0TKJ7pVII9w8-ueSsnlUfROhZw1ITuuVF5ow/s1120/i-405-vs-i-5.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A pair of charts comparing the traffic throughput of northbound I-5 at Northeast 145th Street and northbound I-405 at Northeast 85th Street. On I-5, on average 4,750 vehicles passed through the corridor during the peak travel period in the general purpose lanes and 1,300 passed through the corridor in the HOV lane. Meanwhile, under the same conditions on average 4,850 vehicles passed through I-405 in the general purpose lanes and 3,300 people passed through the corridor in the express toll lanes. It shows that there was significantly more throughput on I-405 which makes use of the express toll lanes as a toll to manage congestion." border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1120" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-djWGeskP7vLfuKJq-3PR1rg3jeTdNDyI2G5Q0PUe2XWwwOt7B_XICSPzXK1qfLMQtynulNe0AxvfXrsETxdouWu4TvbsOsg_qu_wqspyoTJ4nBKOu_CU4ToPc5twhaZzc1a8-1NI7cOlOyHx23B0XAO0TKJ7pVII9w8-ueSsnlUfROhZw1ITuuVF5ow/w640-h426/i-405-vs-i-5.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The charts show that despite having a matching number of lanes and general congestion level, I-405 – which uses tolls to help manage congestion – moved considerably more vehicles through <br />the corridor in the same peak travel period.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Having at least one lane moving more efficiently acts as a relief valve of sorts and allows more vehicles to get through the corridor. On average, 21,000 more vehicles were able to get through the I-405 corridor in similar traffic congestion and road conditions compared to I-5 in November 2023 because we were able to use tolls to help manage congestion and keep lanes on the roadway moving.</p>
<h4>Why did you build express toll lanes and not more general purpose lanes?</h4>
<p>The I-405 corridor, much like the rest of western Washington, continues to see population growth. With more people using the corridor, the demand for a reliable trip continues to grow as well.</p>
<p>We know we can’t build our way out of congestion; there are funding limitations, a lack of physical space needed to build new capacity, and environmental considerations. That means we need to get more out of what we already have.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn2wbwRcYj299PekWT_hb_PpgY8pIYILSjf5JTw8I8Inhyi_EBX5Jr98wQmR5k1VeKm8jTUjCAwgnWMgRdDHVORCm4IiLrdnydxJPrNdEOs-3CU_C1rsja9rRgVo3Pe-jeQAG7R75bwe1cacdhpEPJ8mj7qyNaG5j3a8gz-smyNbtNj2-54Lve7T-ST4/s680/road-widening-comic.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A two-panel cartoon with the top panel showing a person sitting alone in a car surrounded by other solo drivers in a crowded two lane road stating “can’t wait for the road to be widened.” The bottom panel shows that same person stating “Finally” while sitting in a three-lane road that is just as congested as it was before." border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="680" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn2wbwRcYj299PekWT_hb_PpgY8pIYILSjf5JTw8I8Inhyi_EBX5Jr98wQmR5k1VeKm8jTUjCAwgnWMgRdDHVORCm4IiLrdnydxJPrNdEOs-3CU_C1rsja9rRgVo3Pe-jeQAG7R75bwe1cacdhpEPJ8mj7qyNaG5j3a8gz-smyNbtNj2-54Lve7T-ST4/w640-h574/road-widening-comic.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cartoon demonstrates what we’ve historically seen, that adding lanes to a roadway doesn’t relieve congestion, instead people who previously found alternate methods like carpooling, transit <br />or traveling in off-peak hours fill the newly added capacity.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>We also know that the express toll lanes move more people through the corridor more efficiently than the old layout of general purpose lanes and one HOV lane. Last year, drivers who used the SR 167 HOT lanes saved an average of 7 minutes while traveling southbound and 6 minutes while traveling northbound when compared to general purpose lanes in fiscal year 2023. The average speeds in the HOT lanes were 15 mph faster northbound, and 12 mph southbound. There were similar benefits on I-405 in the same year with drivers who used the I-405 express toll lanes saving an average of 8 minutes while traveling northbound and 6 minutes while headed southbound when compared to the general purpose lanes. The average speeds in the express toll lanes ranged between 12 and 25 mph faster in the northbound direction and 9 to 15 mph faster southbound than their general purpose counterparts, with the greater average speeds in the dual-lane section of the road between Bellevue and Bothell. </p>
<p>Transit is also important in providing a choice and moving more people through the corridor efficiently. Several transit routes take advantage of the express toll lanes and HOT lanes to bypass congestion and provide a more reliable trip to their riders – who also avoid the toll and sitting in traffic. Transit riders will see future advantages to their trips as the ongoing I-405/167 corridor program includes projects that benefit transit and allows for <a href="https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/stride-bus-rapid-transit">additional high-capacity bus routes</a>. The projects are possible because the tolled lanes help manage congestion and allow the transit routes to move people more efficiently and reliably through the corridors. </p>
<p>The express toll lanes give drivers a choice they didn’t have before, so that people have a way out of congestion when they really need it. They also generate revenue to be reinvested back into the corridor for projects to help address pain points that contribute to congestion.</p>
<h4>How does increasing the maximum toll rate actually help manage traffic?</h4>
<p>While we don’t know how often people will choose to use the lanes when the toll rate reaches the new maximum, we do know that current rates are reaching their cap during peak periods more frequently, and when that happens speeds and overall performance decreases. As traffic volumes continue to increase, the demand for a more reliable trip will grow.</p>
<p>With a higher maximum rate, we have more room to provide a reliable trip when drivers need it the most. In other words, drivers will have even more of a choice to make when considering whether to use the express toll lanes or HOT lanes. If a driver thinks the rate is too high, they’ll stay in the general purpose lanes, freeing up capacity in the tolled lanes for transit, carpools, and drivers who really need the reliable trip. Drivers who choose to pay the toll and use the express toll lanes or HOT lanes will in turn free up space in the general purpose lanes and experience more value for their money in the form of a quicker trip.</p>
<p>While everyone decides for themselves when paying a toll is worth it in the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT lanes, we know that not everyone will opt to pay the higher toll rate and some drivers will adjust their travel times, and some may adjust the way they commute (by joining a carpool or using public transportation) – that helps keep vehicles out of the tolled lane as well.</p>
<h4>What does my toll actually pay for?</h4>
<p>Toll revenue is used to cover the costs of operating and maintaining a safe facility and any funds remaining after covering these expenses are reinvested back into the I-405 and SR 167 corridor.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcaPYjQp7SR-fA4AyL4uyfMrP7wls5Xco5_nbzv_Mmj4OaWRtXhhsYnImZ54cMIi96k9PB9_YFoa8Bcyg6oLKbsltVva-lyO-1hH5ZOwGBorHyez_YuU0x0vloEAoI0_PCr1tM3rpxUNrSt_FMMWz5iBn2I1Cr8WoAqwVI5W2X-_Te8xr81VDDFFw6RU/s418/sr-167-i-405-operations-maintenance.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A doughnut chart showing the breakdown of how toll revenue was used in fiscal year 2023. Of the $25.8 million in total toll revenue, $0.5 Million (2 percent) went to facility maintenance, $8.9 million (35 precent) was spent on operations and $16.2 million (63 percent) remained to be reinvested back into the corridor for capital improvements." border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcaPYjQp7SR-fA4AyL4uyfMrP7wls5Xco5_nbzv_Mmj4OaWRtXhhsYnImZ54cMIi96k9PB9_YFoa8Bcyg6oLKbsltVva-lyO-1hH5ZOwGBorHyez_YuU0x0vloEAoI0_PCr1tM3rpxUNrSt_FMMWz5iBn2I1Cr8WoAqwVI5W2X-_Te8xr81VDDFFw6RU/s16000/sr-167-i-405-operations-maintenance.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chart from the Toll Division’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2023 indicates that approximately 40 percent of the toll revenue collected for trips in the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT lanes is used to run the program, while more than 60 percent remains to be reinvested into improvement projects <br />throughout the corridor.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Expenses that fall under the description of operations and maintenance include printing and mailing bills, credit card fees, maintaining roadside tolling equipment like cameras and pass readers, and administrative costs of overseeing customer service operations, planning system improvements and calibrating the systems that monitor road congestion and adjust the dynamic toll rates.</p>
<p>WSDOT does contract out for certain services like the <em>Good To Go!</em> back office system, operating tolling equipment in the lanes, and customer service centers, and these contracts are awarded based on a competitive procurement process. The contracts also require the vendors to have local employees and operations to provide additional benefits to Washingtonians. Currently our vendors employ over 100 people in Washington to support the <em>Good To Go!</em> program.</p>
<p>Our financial statements and other revenue details are all <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/accountability/tolling-reports-policy">readily available online</a> so you can see the exact break down of how toll revenue is used.</p>
<p><strong>I sometimes see people weaving in and out of the lanes. Can’t you build barriers?</strong></p>
<p>It’s important to note that enforcement of drivers trying to evade tolls is an industry-wide problem. We work with our partners at Washington State Patrol on enforcement, and use double white lines — which are illegal to cross — to separate the express toll lanes and general purpose lanes. If you notice a location or time of day when you see violations more frequently, you can <a href="https://www.wsp.wa.gov/about-us/contact-us/">share that information with WSP</a>.</p>
<p>We can’t use barriers to separate the express toll lanes for a few reasons:</p>
<ul>
<li>They’re expensive to build and maintain, and in some areas we don’t have the physical space.</li>
<li>They can pose a safety hazard by preventing first-responders from accessing collisions that occur in the express toll lanes.</li>
<li>When a collision occurs in the general purpose lanes, we wouldn’t be able to route vehicles into the express toll lanes to keep traffic moving.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you still have questions or concerns, <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodToGoWSDOT">reach out to us on social media</a>. We’re always happy to help answer questions.</p>
<p>And remember, if you do opt to pay a toll to use the I-405 express toll lanes and SR 167 HOT Lanes you can save money by opening a <em>Good To Go!</em> account – and you have the option of toll-free travel as a carpool if you use a Flex Pass and have the appropriate number of people.</p>
<p>You can find out more about accounts at passes at our website <a href="www.MyGoodToGo.com">www.MyGoodToGo.com</a>.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-51845584585825965442024-02-23T11:03:00.000-08:002024-02-23T11:03:45.411-08:00Navigating rough roads between highway projects: Rough Roads signs coming to I-5 in Clark County<p><em>By Celeste Dimichina & Kelly Hanahan </em></p>
<p>Maintaining roads and ensuring travelers safety is our top priority. But the reality is, there’s a lot of work to do.</p>
<p>Every day, our maintenance crews work to keep the roads open and safe for every user. When they see potholes, they work to fill them. When they see tree branches hanging over the roadway or blocking road signs, they trim them. This is their mission: building and maintaining systems to keep people and goods moving throughout our state every day. Sometimes that means making temporary repairs until we have funding for the needed long-term projects like rebuilding roadways or replacing concrete panels.</p>
<p>If you see Rough Road signs along your favorite highway, this is what’s happening. These signs warn people that traveling the roadway ahead needs a little more care until we can address failing pavement.</p>
<h4>Rough Roads in Southwest Washington</h4>
<p>If you often travel Interstate 5 and 205 in Clark County, you already know what we are talking about. Failing concrete panels that are sunken or cracked make a very bumpy commute. The section of southbound I-5 between Ridgefield and I-5/I-205 split is made up of 8,400 concrete panels. Hundreds of which have cracked, settled and ultimately must be replaced. These panels were originally installed 50-70 years ago and are beyond repair. Additional factors like extreme weather (ice storms!) and increased traffic volumes only worsen the roadways already long overdue for replacement.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZu5MRMtAjavaN9QUQy1h90-WDz18SqsgKKUBA6armB7YPtBzi19sdHleio20oWzrgrZq3siWyHRef7u1V-4SiFJMv2NgWVTdAgYqgaXOoX1Vc1xjS4wOaf5Z0moRlcG80uzo62oF1o-Ne0o1UkkLJt34kFqecTl15xdejZopAatcyVUkDfgPhQDUA_g/s537/SWR-Concrete-Panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZu5MRMtAjavaN9QUQy1h90-WDz18SqsgKKUBA6armB7YPtBzi19sdHleio20oWzrgrZq3siWyHRef7u1V-4SiFJMv2NgWVTdAgYqgaXOoX1Vc1xjS4wOaf5Z0moRlcG80uzo62oF1o-Ne0o1UkkLJt34kFqecTl15xdejZopAatcyVUkDfgPhQDUA_g/w640-h640/SWR-Concrete-Panels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>What’s happening?</h4>
<p>Travelers heading south on I-5, between Ridgefield and the I-5/I-205 junction in Salmon Creek will soon see a series of Rough Road warning signs.</p>
<p>These signs will be strategically placed just after on-ramps and just before rough patches of roadway, giving people advanced warning of road conditions ahead. Travelers will also notice signs that advise speed limit reduction from 70 mph to 60 mph and from 60 mph to 50 mph.</p>
<p>The main goal of these signs is to encourage travelers to take extra care until we make long-term road repairs. By giving advanced warning, drivers can adjust their speeds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucBebdJ8QY3Zc1LMeATDmsKVB9PJgCtYkOHXcin5FrrRgOq3vXuPPGRNKXfdYfE1HPyR5WVb2nKJT17YSE7bRzmJk2_-P0xVbI4rnwhyCnZXNTGUlwwgWaeCfcsbjLxxbCNC5_boixm68T9YoqyfQ5y2_52G48cUeeYH_pa5zQichXkNuOUbFlgvTGSA/s867/SWR-I-5-Rough-Road-Signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="867" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucBebdJ8QY3Zc1LMeATDmsKVB9PJgCtYkOHXcin5FrrRgOq3vXuPPGRNKXfdYfE1HPyR5WVb2nKJT17YSE7bRzmJk2_-P0xVbI4rnwhyCnZXNTGUlwwgWaeCfcsbjLxxbCNC5_boixm68T9YoqyfQ5y2_52G48cUeeYH_pa5zQichXkNuOUbFlgvTGSA/w640-h512/SWR-I-5-Rough-Road-Signs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4>Are these roads going to be fixed?</h4>
<p>Yes! As funding has become available, we have focused on addressing the “worst of the worst” panels first. We will continue to work on it until we’ve rehabilitated the entire section of roadway, but that will take several years. In 2017, we identified six projects to address in this stretch of interstate between the I-5/I-205 split and Woodland. Due to budget constraints, many of these projects have been delayed. We don’t determine our ultimate budget and are continuing to work with state leaders on the best way to pay for these repairs and others across our state.</p>
<h4>Upcoming projects</h4>
<p>Beginning in summer 2024 we’ll start a project estimated at around $2 million. This project will replace about 25-30 of the most damaged concrete panels on southbound I-5 between Ridgefield and the I-5/I-205 split.</p>
<p>In 2025, we’ll tackle another project valued at approximately $12 million. This one will focus on fixing and smoothing out all panels on a section of southbound I-5 from 179<sup>th</sup> Street to the I-5/I-205 split.</p>
<p>If funding is available, we’ll undertake an approximately $25 million project in 2025-2026 to fix and smooth out all panels on southbound I-5 between Ridgefield to 179<sup>th </sup>Street. To give you an idea of the scale, this project will use more than 100,000 tons of asphalt. One truck carries 15 tons. That adds up to more than 6,600 trucks full of asphalt for this one project.</p>
<h4>Recent projects</h4>
<p>While there is more work to do, we have made other recent improvements.</p>
<p>Between 2004-2020, we repaired and resurfaced failing concrete panels in Clark County between Ridgefield and the I-5/I-205 split.</p>
<p>In 2021, a <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-5-sb-east-fork-lewis-river-north-fork-lewis-river-concrete-pavement-rehab-complete-fall-2021">$7.6 million project</a> fixed and smoothed out a section of panels on southbound I-5 between North Fork Lewis River and East Fork Lewis River just south of Woodland.</p>
<p>Between 2022-2023, we completed a nearly <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-5-i-205-concrete-panel-replacement-and-joint-rehabilitation-complete-fall-2023">$9 million project</a> to replace 100 of the most damaged panels on southbound I-5 between 179<sup>th</sup> Street and the I-5/I-205 split while also rehabilitating bridge joints along I-205.</p>
<p>Rough roads can reduce fuel efficiency, which means you spend more on fuel. They can also affect tire wear and vehicle repair costs. Slower speeds required on deteriorated roadways also means lost time for commuters and freight transporters. We have a backlog of work waiting on funding for preservation projects.</p>
<p>We have a lot of work ahead of us to improve the condition of this stretch of highway. Thank you for your patience while we work on repairing or replacing sections of this road for smoother travel.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-88452708817574558022022-09-30T06:00:00.015-07:002024-02-20T16:33:02.556-08:00Washington's Right of Way Safety Initiative addressing homeless encampments on state roadways, property <h4>Updated Feb. 21 with new total numbers through December 2023</h4>
<p><em>By WSDOT staff</em></p>
<p>In spring 2022 work began on the state's Right of Way Safety Initiative – now called the Encampment Resolution Program – a new partnership of state and local partners to find solutions for people living homeless on state highway rights of way.</p>
<p>This initiative is led by three state agencies – the state departments of Commerce and Transportation and the Washington State Patrol. It's a result of Gov. Jay Inslee's request to the Legislature earlier to address increasing safety issues along state highways. Our agencies do this work in partnership with numerous local governments and non-profit partners.</p>
<p>While homelessness isn't new on state lands, funding provided by Legislature this past session allows for new approaches and opportunities to augment city resources to provide shelter and housing options. Commerce has $143 million for a variety of services and types of housing, including $45 million from the initial legislative proviso.</p>
<p>The work has started in five counties: King, Pierce, Thurston, Snohomish and Spokane. Initial efforts are centered along some of our largest interstate corridors, but the ultimate goal is to expand these efforts as more funding and resources allow.</p>
<h4>Early successes</h4>
<p>This outreach and housing approach has been visible in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston and Spokane counties this year, where we've had some early successes stabilizing and/or clearing some sites – some stretching over many sections of an interchange.</p>
<p>Since starting this work in June 2022, 33 sites total have been closed and cleared within the five counties as of Dec. 31, 2023, with outreach underway at several more while waiting for housing to become available. That includes work at one large site at <a href="https://kcrha.org/successful-encampment-resolution-at-i-5-and-dearborn/">Dearborn and I-5</a> in Seattle, on-going work at Spokane's <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/accountability/camp-hope-news-update">Camp Hope</a> and several other sites within the five counties. While not everyone living on an identified right of way site moves into the housing offered to them, those who do have had good outcomes. Of the more than 1,000 people who have accepted housing through the end of 2023, 78 percent of them remained housed as of Dec. 31.</p>
<h4>Safety, partnerships and roles</h4>
<p>The Right of Way Safety Initiative focuses on state highway rights of way because of the inherent safety risk these sites pose to anyone on them. Vehicles pass these locations at 70 mph or higher, regular inspections and access are needed, emergency and planned construction takes place, etc.</p>
<p>These areas are not safe places for anyone to be living, and the encampments make these areas unsafe for crews working on these sites, for passing motorists who can be distracted and the neighbors of these areas.</p>
<p>Our efforts are very much a partnership between the state agencies as well as local partners and that is vital because there are several steps that need to happen to clear an encampment and help people find shelter or housing. Those steps and the agencies who work on them are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Identify and offer shelter and services to people living at a site (local jurisdiction & service/outreach providers; funding offered by Commerce)</li>
<li>Provide secure storage of their belongings (local jurisdiction & service/outreach providers)</li>
<li>Ensure safety and security for people on site and work crews (local law enforcement & WSP)</li>
<li>Restore and clean up the property (WSDOT)</li>
</ol>
<h4>Stopping the cycle is labor-intensive work</h4>
<p>Homelessness is a challenging issue. We hear from people who are frustrated and want fast solutions, but we've found during recent years that connections to services and housing are necessary for stopping the cycle of displacement and encampment. This process takes time and work from skilled outreach teams.</p>
<p>Without this type of outreach, clearing an encampment merely displaces people to some other area of the community. Forcing people to move to another site is a quick, temporary action that is neither sustainable nor humane.</p>
<p>The state's Right of Way Safety Initiative allows for a new approach. The funding requires that housing be offered to the people living on any site we address, including outreach to individuals so we can find the best possible solution for them. This involves strong partnerships with local government and a wide swath of non-profit groups who can do that critical outreach work. This work starts long before a site is posted with a deadline for people to leave the site – and is already underway in various degrees in all five counties.</p>
<p>This type of work takes time, but it also allows us to make meaningful progress and put people on the path of long-term, permanent housing.</p>
<h4>Moving forward</h4>
<p>Each site and community are different, which is why it's so important to have meaningful, productive partnerships with local governments and outreach groups. In some cases, such as Spokane, that may mean fencing an area (for the security of those within the camp and the local neighborhood) while outreach takes place, in others it's identifying hotels or other sites that can be turned into long-term housing. It's usually a variety of approaches.</p>
<p>The local governments and outreach partners play key roles because they're able to identify their local needs as well as have the connections with area providers who can help meet those needs on the ground.</p>
<p>This work doesn't happen overnight, but we are looking forward to making more progress in the coming months which will help bring people inside as well as remove the safety risks from encampments on rights of way.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-54785819692885683992024-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-20T14:17:12.012-08:00Look up! Not a bird, not a plane – it’s a HAWK signal – a hero in crosswalk safety!<p><em>By Sarah Hannon-Nein</em></p>
<p>In a nod to the winged heroes of our imagination, akin to Batman's iconic bat signal piercing the night sky, a unique hero has surfaced.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVdroqhz-LWKtwHjWR8wx7P1zuAuyTdAToEBPqfti09Kenn5RsK4Y1rpYgzfm20g79KBfg25woOmg2rsgoS18foXxB77nyGZwzfeoZom5yW-9uCo8iJ2xyk5TvEBBEYDlal15v53vwatrLbP76piZ19Wt70xEDmwy2jzZdquExdt7qYHugG5otGlOCc0/s900/IMG_4653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVdroqhz-LWKtwHjWR8wx7P1zuAuyTdAToEBPqfti09Kenn5RsK4Y1rpYgzfm20g79KBfg25woOmg2rsgoS18foXxB77nyGZwzfeoZom5yW-9uCo8iJ2xyk5TvEBBEYDlal15v53vwatrLbP76piZ19Wt70xEDmwy2jzZdquExdt7qYHugG5otGlOCc0/w640-h640/IMG_4653.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The HAWK signal is designed to increase safety at crosswalks by controlling traffic flow <br />and providing clear visual signals for both drivers and pedestrians.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Armed with flashing lights and the authority to direct traffic, Washington State Department of Transportation with their contractor, Thompson Bros. Excavating, proudly unveils the successful installation of a HAWK Signal on State Route 500 (also known as Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard), at <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-500-162nd-ave-166th-ave-safe-routes-school">Northeast 166th Avenue</a>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFIUoN7sCNgCKdqG-DhfGSmfSCme7MnruQKjQMFv26zNf1ggaHnS1r_uEGsS4bE7VQhIdV7LabPBszGNjgIfbq_8K-5ZP-sEubm7Kd4CsPof-4z_6eya6aM_aowGrKqSapkmghyphenhyphenhjsmDr5C086e1U03FXqdka5-CYRhfBpqR8O_Q8kPrLzjAtboGe2ao/s900/IMG_4602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFIUoN7sCNgCKdqG-DhfGSmfSCme7MnruQKjQMFv26zNf1ggaHnS1r_uEGsS4bE7VQhIdV7LabPBszGNjgIfbq_8K-5ZP-sEubm7Kd4CsPof-4z_6eya6aM_aowGrKqSapkmghyphenhyphenhjsmDr5C086e1U03FXqdka5-CYRhfBpqR8O_Q8kPrLzjAtboGe2ao/w640-h640/IMG_4602.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contractor crews successfully installed a HAWK (High intensity Activated crossWalK) <br />pedestrian signal across SR 500 at Northeast 166th Avenue. </td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>What is a HAWK signal?</h4>
<p>A HAWK (High intensity Activated crossWalK) signal is an effective visual system designed to grab drivers’ attention and make it safer for people to cross the road on foot or on wheels. It also makes traffic flow smoother for drivers. Unlike traditional traffic signals, a HAWK signal is activated and operates only when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button. When there are no pedestrians, vehicles move without interruption.</p>
<p>When a person presses the button on the HAWK signal, it will first turn yellow, then red, and finally to flashing red. Drivers should treat these lights just like any other traffic signal. Yellow means prepare to stop, red means stop. When the signal is flashing red, drivers can drive through the crossing area only if it is completely safe to do so without posing any risk to pedestrians.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGQsepMBp9difi3ybTvabxdjyZRrMBewaueKPLmsP3Ce9UkQZK-w77gPOvVsHtfNuRIQ_JZcZQJ7fqEX2iaTVGLLGYO3l_Mz6pTKbrxK4TKSUcqblf41Mq_0EjgYYYjSfIEdX-VvHteVjUvbfEC30ge_ag-wOEkeYwC3eRWLc314I0H4UBjIie3wgPFY/s900/HAWK-Signal-Signage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="666" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGQsepMBp9difi3ybTvabxdjyZRrMBewaueKPLmsP3Ce9UkQZK-w77gPOvVsHtfNuRIQ_JZcZQJ7fqEX2iaTVGLLGYO3l_Mz6pTKbrxK4TKSUcqblf41Mq_0EjgYYYjSfIEdX-VvHteVjUvbfEC30ge_ag-wOEkeYwC3eRWLc314I0H4UBjIie3wgPFY/w474-h640/HAWK-Signal-Signage.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pedestrian push button allows pedestrians to activate the signal and provides reassurance they will receive a crossing indication soon.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Pedestrians can activate the HAWK signal by pushing the button at either end of the crossing. The lights on the HAWK signal will indicate when it is safe to cross. Even with the HAWK signal, it is still important for pedestrians to stay focused and be cautious of potential conflicts with vehicles. Drivers making right or left turns across the crosswalk might not always notice pedestrians.</p>
<p>As part of the project, our crews have also constructed a new shared-use path and a marked crossing. This path and crossing make it safer for pedestrians traveling to Pioneer Elementary School and Frontier Middle School from the neighborhoods south of SR 500. Additionally, crews have completed permanent roadway striping to give drivers visible and reflective lane guidance. The new striping means the crossing will be safer for drivers and pedestrians, especially during nighttime driving.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3CJx4U18NfHX60GQjnJ4FnlnzlnHjWrHEY9RBgzPPGYIR9Vk6mS12DXV3RjXsDT6YZWIqOaMThqSAWJUYVcuB0SFbU6xNFiD3tlyO7btQZyFiu6gehmmzN5XCYaqWEaHziVQY5M0N7dHXGsspkOCAEkZvMcp6lfHtHOzOy_kvgYxSQqIfZocO4S01bU/s900/IMG_4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3CJx4U18NfHX60GQjnJ4FnlnzlnHjWrHEY9RBgzPPGYIR9Vk6mS12DXV3RjXsDT6YZWIqOaMThqSAWJUYVcuB0SFbU6xNFiD3tlyO7btQZyFiu6gehmmzN5XCYaqWEaHziVQY5M0N7dHXGsspkOCAEkZvMcp6lfHtHOzOy_kvgYxSQqIfZocO4S01bU/w480-h640/IMG_4652.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews constructed a marked crossing as part of the project, making pedestrian access safer from the neighborhoods south of SR 500 to Pioneer Elementary School and Frontier Middle School on the <br />north side of the highway.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Thanks to these improvements, funded by the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/business-wsdot/support-local-programs/funding-programs/safe-routes-school-program">Safe Routes to Schools Program</a>, students walking, biking or using mobility devices to travel to school in the Orchards neighborhood now have a safer path beneath their feet and wheels.</p>
<p>Keep your eyes on the horizon, as the next HAWK signal is scheduled to appear along SR 503/Northeast 117th Avenue, near Prairie High School, later this year.</p>
<p>As Like the iconic “bat signal,” the HAWK signal alerts drivers to pedestrians entering the road. When this signal is activated, slow down and be ready to stop at the crosswalk. Just as Batman protects Gotham, drivers can be heroes too by doing their part to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-12240337770668315962024-02-05T15:25:00.000-08:002024-02-05T15:31:06.642-08:00Thinking globally, acting locally: South Korean delegation visits us<p><em>By Sean Quinn</em></p>
<p>While we may be an ocean apart, Washington state and South Korea have a lot more in common than you may think. We both have many miles of bike lanes, pedestrian trails, tunneled highways, toll roads, and yes, even roundabouts. We also both have transportation agencies whose goal is to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective transportation options to all. In an effort to foster international collaboration and share best practices in transportation management, we were honored when a delegation from South Korea reached out and asked us to host transportation officials at our Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Shoreline Monday, Jan. 8.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNav2AYB57JikOe8TfiIG-7gMxLC-ZEpqZegHU9EJLj3dxDAu38MWVxm9iQEWEKfQ-MpnBCKEaucFN_DYB8FSl23LzUYTeLetp0fOQczMS7udcElxDr6iUFUKf7Y6thfGCt2Ey_xUJ_2PWCX6uwSFYTVWZJFiOt9XS-XDgA5QcwivppUPCfg-vLLQ/s737/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="737" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNav2AYB57JikOe8TfiIG-7gMxLC-ZEpqZegHU9EJLj3dxDAu38MWVxm9iQEWEKfQ-MpnBCKEaucFN_DYB8FSl23LzUYTeLetp0fOQczMS7udcElxDr6iUFUKf7Y6thfGCt2Ey_xUJ_2PWCX6uwSFYTVWZJFiOt9XS-XDgA5QcwivppUPCfg-vLLQ/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delegation of 13 South Korean officials from their Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Expressway Corporation visited our Transportation Management Center in <br />Shoreline earlier this year.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>In December 2023, a senior manager from the Korea Expressway Corporation, a government-run corporation responsible for South Korea’s toll roads and expressways, contacted us to learn more about the work we do. The corporation, along with the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport wanted to learn more about our highways and tunnels to help improve their own underground highway system, all while creating a stronger relationship with an international partner. We said yes to that opportunity, and the arrangements were made.</p>
<h4>Tour day</h4>
<p>On Monday, Jan. 8, 13 South Korean delegates arrived in Seattle in the afternoon and drove to Shoreline to tour one of our TMCs. Our TMCs are the nerve centers of our highway monitoring and operations, staffed with engineers, technicians, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) teams, and additional highway management personnel. They’re staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, with people monitoring traffic, directing and supporting incident response, and checking tunnel and tolling operations, to keep our roads clear and traffic flowing. They’re a critical component of coordinated responses to emergencies anywhere in the state.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGhQ2HkK3jB_A4R1r-s-NfCSlQU4ivBR4lr0zlTxMwk_4A3xabz6jGMl-hUd7hiMzg36XgHYj7xAjhlMhDG3cJBAvqazfSCOw14loZLrNHttYClCTAiKeKqZNrM7o2xLk1tulklbE1yJJ9YGERWYqy7qSLoIZ_THYlq_0j9naHGDFYJ0PfIRwP7Ax/s1633/2-and-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1633" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGhQ2HkK3jB_A4R1r-s-NfCSlQU4ivBR4lr0zlTxMwk_4A3xabz6jGMl-hUd7hiMzg36XgHYj7xAjhlMhDG3cJBAvqazfSCOw14loZLrNHttYClCTAiKeKqZNrM7o2xLk1tulklbE1yJJ9YGERWYqy7qSLoIZ_THYlq_0j9naHGDFYJ0PfIRwP7Ax/w640-h228/2-and-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ITS Operations Engineer David Baker and SR 99 Tunnel ITS Lead Lauren Asher show delegates from the South Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Expressway Corporation how tunnel operations are handled remotely from the TMC Control Room.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>During the tour, the delegates watched a presentation from our TMC and tolling staff, learning more about our road systems, how we monitor the highways in our region and how we work to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely. Our tolling team also talked about how our electronic tolling system works.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB02WPNTm0eSv5j-PiJDa-AGnN69ErRDU_vfWikx_CsFpK8rSou_QfRsWgnry7mJpf9lrnC5FmZK_Za9P0e1wYLLo5F0pR92qXDbrf0P8luAuMeyMs3RxEad-Z_2OYmaovv1QeRVWb1CXQDdzPMqCveHjioqveD-euCx-tVd0fXt9jWPAos_BYVU_G/s1628/4-and-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1628" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB02WPNTm0eSv5j-PiJDa-AGnN69ErRDU_vfWikx_CsFpK8rSou_QfRsWgnry7mJpf9lrnC5FmZK_Za9P0e1wYLLo5F0pR92qXDbrf0P8luAuMeyMs3RxEad-Z_2OYmaovv1QeRVWb1CXQDdzPMqCveHjioqveD-euCx-tVd0fXt9jWPAos_BYVU_G/w640-h230/4-and-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TMC Manager Sayuri Koyamatsu (picture to the left) and Toll Division Lane Systems Operations Engineer James Carothers (right) give presentations to the Korean delegation about daily operations from inside the TMC and Emergency Operations Center. The presentations slides <br />were translated into Korean.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The delegation next joined staff inside the TMC’s Control Room, the heart and soul of the facility. They gazed in awe at the hundreds of live traffic cameras shown on displays above them and the many workstations we have. Each workstation serves an important purpose, such as public information (where Public Information Officers sit); our radio operator, who handles communications to our crews in the field; and our tunnels operators, who make sure everything is running smoothly in our tunnels, such as the State Route 99 Tunnel, Interstate 5 under the Seattle Convention Center and the I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel and Mercer Island Lid.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrz9ge8nqttG-7xIix3ouQPCrx2M774mePW7S4rWCLma8c__-dciaCdD3Vs1oKsXMDRsrcxbYmdBlXlge-emyXC5emTHfmc-KcQR6g9YQiU7byWzs4eEo78D0Ox2K3Smy5LOtufyAaqJAwD4x11qGWEHrbojEWqoPR-1xvWHMqiMTK_FFo005riQn/s579/6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="579" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrz9ge8nqttG-7xIix3ouQPCrx2M774mePW7S4rWCLma8c__-dciaCdD3Vs1oKsXMDRsrcxbYmdBlXlge-emyXC5emTHfmc-KcQR6g9YQiU7byWzs4eEo78D0Ox2K3Smy5LOtufyAaqJAwD4x11qGWEHrbojEWqoPR-1xvWHMqiMTK_FFo005riQn/w640-h640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ITS Operations Engineer David Baker and SR 99 Tunnel ITS Lead Lauren Asher answer <br />questions about the SR 99 tunnel from the Korean delegation</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The Korean delegation had many questions for our staff from the region’s TMC, toll division and tunnel maintenance team. They asked about the challenges of the day-to-day operation of the SR 99 tunnel, including fire-mitigation measures and groundwater seepage challenges inside of it. They also asked about our traffic management and control strategies, such as our use of ramp meters and digital signage and how tolling collection is done at each end of the tunnel.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEii-bPEXAmmUaESsy-_o-GvOK_Qxx-p9pdTwpuD-be3odldGnIA_e47NfpydaepRjcNacEN-vdgFzEzoIVkOKvpWAkYPZIHj3pAmJCJYf08QZAw_8iekQ7U8jhYWXYjRM6BbEahgWhwvOcXKXr_ZACbKW1LGxFsdUBoGD5fLdRVcTODN-akqHvDJo/s562/7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="562" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEii-bPEXAmmUaESsy-_o-GvOK_Qxx-p9pdTwpuD-be3odldGnIA_e47NfpydaepRjcNacEN-vdgFzEzoIVkOKvpWAkYPZIHj3pAmJCJYf08QZAw_8iekQ7U8jhYWXYjRM6BbEahgWhwvOcXKXr_ZACbKW1LGxFsdUBoGD5fLdRVcTODN-akqHvDJo/w640-h640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toll Division Lane Systems Operations Manager Michael Severance exchanges gifts with Director General Kim Baesung from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Looking ahead</h4>
<p>A key objective of the tour was to facilitate a meaningful exchange of knowledge and expertise between transportation officials from the two nations, and that was certainly met. The cultural exchange between the delegation and our staff fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Diplomatic initiatives and delegation visits like this go beyond the immediate goal of knowledge exchange and lay the foundation for long-term partnerships and collaborations.</p>Ryan Lanierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631041934419474402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-14117728173678116892024-01-31T13:33:00.000-08:002024-01-31T13:51:42.884-08:00Working through the January blues by reaching a fish passage job milestone in Grays Harbor County<p><em>By Angela Cochran</em></p>
<p>As January, the Monday of months, comes to a close, we are making big progress on a <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-12-sr-8-grays-harbor-county-fish-passage-barriers-remove-fish-barriers">fish barrier removal project</a> in Grays Harbor County. On Jan. 2, our contractor Ceccanti, Inc., set girders on the first of nine bridges we are building to correct barriers to fish at four locations. All are located under US 12 and State Route 8. A couple of weeks later, we set the girders at the second location near Elma.</p>
<p>There’s a lot of work required before we reach that point. Placing the girders is literally a big job. After that’s complete, we start the process towards completing bridge construction.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tdwZr0SfmuBzXmFPOBOk9Z5qpMYlMUkUYJrgM_qy54ytBBp7YLcXCei8PVlYHpkzlbypdEO-eNFjFD3RgeLutNigsjJ1iTDUWRRMOyNDeJusc1gq9-vb7Y5JMLMdb1YecQrp6b-yNJVCUXZIjI3sEkiNdes8h9teKY9UcjvbDyxHVQqbZOK9VRSQYR8/s2418/US12-WenzelSlough-PickingGirder-vance-first.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2418" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tdwZr0SfmuBzXmFPOBOk9Z5qpMYlMUkUYJrgM_qy54ytBBp7YLcXCei8PVlYHpkzlbypdEO-eNFjFD3RgeLutNigsjJ1iTDUWRRMOyNDeJusc1gq9-vb7Y5JMLMdb1YecQrp6b-yNJVCUXZIjI3sEkiNdes8h9teKY9UcjvbDyxHVQqbZOK9VRSQYR8/w640-h238/US12-WenzelSlough-PickingGirder-vance-first.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlier this month, crews set girders on the first two bridges located west of Elma.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Coming soon: Numerous westbound rolling slowdowns on US 12 near Montesano</h4>
<p>Next up, we will set girders on the first of three bridges near Montesano at Camp Creek. This work requires daytime rolling slowdowns with traffic holds of 15 minutes in the westbound lane of US 12.</p>
<p>Vehicles work in tandem to slowly bring traffic to a stop. We know it’s an inconvenience but it’s a strategy to get the job done while trying to maintain traffic access. Unfortunately, we sometimes see impatient people drive around the trucks. This is incredibly dangerous. Not only for the workers down the highway, but for anyone inside the vehicle that goes around the stopped vehicles.</p>
<p>During the rolling slowdowns, crews use a crane to remove girders from a truck in the westbound lane. A total of seven girders are scheduled to be set the week of Feb. 5. Work will begin at 7 a.m. and will be completed in one day. We aren’t sure of the exact date yet but will notify everyone in advance on our <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/mobile-app-and-social-media">app</a> and <a href="https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/">statewide travel map</a>.</p>
<h4>Building something that keeps people, fish moving</h4>
<p>We are building bridges for each direction of the divided highways. The work is taking place at three locations on US 12 and one on SR 8. The fifth location on SR 8 east of McCleary doesn’t have a bridge. Instead, we’ll remove barriers to fish there by building a large concrete culvert. It is like a bridge, but it has four sides. The bottom is buried under the streambed so fish can easily pass through it. The pieces are built elsewhere and brought in on a semi-truck. Crews will install half of it this year. The other half will be built next year when the work zone is moved to the opposite side of the highway. This approach helps balance the needs of construction with keeping people moving.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocFyrNEkk4RAdQjXyD1e95GTmrI3WTD4rgmA0EJaCGfBDqXUQWvp6lHrnpM_rREbjrsm_o18iTodzUiVip9Q1lmbyAcKMyXkmlmoytCJcXvy1IAq5E6HP9cWoL9T73mJ7yAd5_dyvyQjtjEw9AiCIm3cbVolxYS7rl8Ejh2-hqPHlO1DJSg5Y1P3zOXQ/s1200/49938242188_14a91c7188_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocFyrNEkk4RAdQjXyD1e95GTmrI3WTD4rgmA0EJaCGfBDqXUQWvp6lHrnpM_rREbjrsm_o18iTodzUiVip9Q1lmbyAcKMyXkmlmoytCJcXvy1IAq5E6HP9cWoL9T73mJ7yAd5_dyvyQjtjEw9AiCIm3cbVolxYS7rl8Ejh2-hqPHlO1DJSg5Y1P3zOXQ/w640-h480/49938242188_14a91c7188_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal">Example of a large concrete culvert that allows fish to swim
through more easily than traditional culverts which were built just to move
water under highways.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>How it all began</h4>
<p>Work started on the project in June 2023 on US 12 when crews set up lighting in the work zones. After all three locations were ready, crews began building a lane that crosses over the median to keep one lane in each direction open around the work zones. This work took place throughout the summer. In the fall, crews built a crossover lane at each of the two locations on SR 8 near McCleary.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyQtbwIHDT7VWG_P7n3WTIjN5oMCcqoMevrHcXd9flYJ-n7cD8PPATxpiVxSGUbh4cHIZVOZpgMsjeqZzyvbaADL2bYjQwe4FsxlW27rRg67xg00NOFvJ7W4gnRIZO1L6Agz9gh8O5XHZJE0AQNheOou7PH4MJH6rASE7AMlxgRf8x48a1C9iR5YQdZQ/s1200/US12-WenzelSlough-EBCrossover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyQtbwIHDT7VWG_P7n3WTIjN5oMCcqoMevrHcXd9flYJ-n7cD8PPATxpiVxSGUbh4cHIZVOZpgMsjeqZzyvbaADL2bYjQwe4FsxlW27rRg67xg00NOFvJ7W4gnRIZO1L6Agz9gh8O5XHZJE0AQNheOou7PH4MJH6rASE7AMlxgRf8x48a1C9iR5YQdZQ/w480-h640/US12-WenzelSlough-EBCrossover.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We built a lane crossing over the median at each work zone to keep one lane <br />in each direction open for travel throughout the project.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>How the bridges are built</h4>
<p>After completing the crossover lane, work began at each location to build bridge foundations. Crews drilled shafts into the ground to help distribute the load and provide stability for the bridge. Crews then installed the piers on the shafts to get ready for girder placement. Girders make up the backbone of the bridge and support the bridge deck or driving surface.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ12WeQnuzmXiAzfSneckxg48IyAeypPRlBpSwNWWVlJUOp6r-nSSk_Ci-iA7EJtiReZL5TYdmWQn2DRWjZeUp_dQL60uqI3p01NGTx5aWFo7n8zv_SnHu-JX-u-PWIbssGiisinU_OC2Ii2qkecOPXr2eOJcUj6RfYZi8l8My2WXzloeK93jD3TRUOI/s1819/Beginning-to-Drill-Shaft-2C-20231130_144401.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1819" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ12WeQnuzmXiAzfSneckxg48IyAeypPRlBpSwNWWVlJUOp6r-nSSk_Ci-iA7EJtiReZL5TYdmWQn2DRWjZeUp_dQL60uqI3p01NGTx5aWFo7n8zv_SnHu-JX-u-PWIbssGiisinU_OC2Ii2qkecOPXr2eOJcUj6RfYZi8l8My2WXzloeK93jD3TRUOI/w640-h422/Beginning-to-Drill-Shaft-2C-20231130_144401.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews drill large holes into the ground and fill with rebar and concrete to create <br />the shafts or large underground support columns.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Once the girders are placed for each bridge, crews will rebuild the lanes approaching the bridges. Most of this work will take place in the spring when the asphalt is available. We also need consistently warmer weather. Asphalt requires temperatures above 50 degrees and fairly dry conditions to create a long-lasting driving surface.</p>
<h4>Working in the stream</h4>
<p>In summer 2024 and 2025, crews will perform any work that has to take place in the water. There is a limited time frame they are allowed to do this that is determined by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. We call it a “fish window.” This is when working in the water will be the least disruptive to aquatic life. The fish window is not the same at every fish passage job but is usually in mid to late summer. In this case, the fish window is from July 16 to Sept. 30. Because we are building at least two bridges at each location, two summers are needed to complete the work in the water.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N9flT0ImsDRRPbyCuhO4fASh6a7cYU4NN53Zi9jnm_SIy1wlBoZcxWamqSYOZJBtuvgP5W-7_HO5uY9Cs-UdaGF63axgUaawrwQsmaTjZj1Jd1O7LdIXjp9vAVQcYPYn7O8CgVb9CI6HYhutDEtFxjHvv71ksKBzki2X2kR9ErSdKWf-7vCqIzT9VFQ/s1178/SR8-WildcatCreek-Defishing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1178" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N9flT0ImsDRRPbyCuhO4fASh6a7cYU4NN53Zi9jnm_SIy1wlBoZcxWamqSYOZJBtuvgP5W-7_HO5uY9Cs-UdaGF63axgUaawrwQsmaTjZj1Jd1O7LdIXjp9vAVQcYPYn7O8CgVb9CI6HYhutDEtFxjHvv71ksKBzki2X2kR9ErSdKWf-7vCqIzT9VFQ/w640-h398/SR8-WildcatCreek-Defishing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of de-fishing. Crews remove aquatic life from a stream at <br />Wildcat Creek for a project several years ago.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Before working in the water, a barrier is placed around the area within the stream where the work will take place. Then crews remove aquatic life within the barrier and document the species and quantity. We call this process “de-fishing”. The marine life is then moved to a safe spot outside of the barrier. Once the area has been de-fished, crews are able to work in the water to build the embankment and restore the streambed that was previously routed under the road in a large pipe or culvert.</p>
<h4>Traffic shift ahead</h4>
<p>After work in the water is complete, crews will reconfigure the crossover lanes to allow travelers to shift to the opposite side of the road. Then crews do the same work that happened over the past year on the other side. They will build new bridges at four locations and install the other half of the structure at the fifth location. Once work in the water on the other side of the highway is complete, crews will start work to move the travel lanes back to their original location. Other work includes landscaping and planting around the streams. We use plants that hold soil in place. Plants contribute to a healthy environment and provide food to the aquatic life in the stream. The project is scheduled to be complete in late 2025.</p>
<h4>Big jobs take time</h4>
<p>We have learned a lot about correcting barriers to fish. While we’ve been doing this work since the 1990s, we sped up the process after the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage/federal-court-injunction-fish-passage">2013 federal injunction</a>. We are now working on multiple locations at the same time when it makes sense. A lot of work goes into planning the work at these locations. This process can take years to complete because we are looking at the best way to balance the needs of construction with the need of travelers. We work closely with Tribes, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local jurisdictions. You may have seen fish projects on other highways that were completed in a shorter time period. Those projects generally require full closures of the road for weeks at a time. This can be done where there are detour routes available that can accommodate all users of the road. We also look at traffic volumes, stream characteristics, flood zones, environmental impacts such as endangered species, and overall project cost, including right-of-way needs.</p>
<p>In this case, we have multiple work zones under two divided highways with substantial traffic volumes. We determined the best course of action to limit the effects on travelers was to build crossover lanes. This extends the overall project timeline but keeps people moving while construction is happening simultaneously.</p>
<h4>Project benefits</h4>
<p>We know this is at the very least inconvenient. We live and work in these areas, too. If we could build these projects faster and without affecting traffic, we definitely would. But this work has to be done. Not only do we have to comply with the injunction requirements, we are seeing the ecosystem recover in real time. Fish are returning to areas of streams they couldn’t get to before the barriers were corrected. These projects aren’t just for the fish. They benefit people as well, providing a healthier environment, food and even jobs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCNOrb0AEN8vAvJYAk44c55s3tXUD-vs7uaLhTp5leT4CCj0FUaeSxSJrn1R3bRBQr4f-QcRXTBkkOq67bSN8PaUvNkSIfGsm3XbFhmDldZvdHWDbfhsLtJXzLKWX4qg5c-BVOPBsW53Ggng1eSHF5XIk4UqKR2m6Zyzx8TpfZxNf0UakUNPZA3-ZpJg/s1200/SR8-WildcatCreek-FishInStream.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCNOrb0AEN8vAvJYAk44c55s3tXUD-vs7uaLhTp5leT4CCj0FUaeSxSJrn1R3bRBQr4f-QcRXTBkkOq67bSN8PaUvNkSIfGsm3XbFhmDldZvdHWDbfhsLtJXzLKWX4qg5c-BVOPBsW53Ggng1eSHF5XIk4UqKR2m6Zyzx8TpfZxNf0UakUNPZA3-ZpJg/w640-h480/SR8-WildcatCreek-FishInStream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction opens habitat for fish.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>We need your help to keep our crews safe while we complete these projects as quickly as possible. Please plan ahead and slow down when traveling in the work zones. You can get the latest information about construction projects in Grays Harbor County by signing up for <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=WADOT_333">email updates</a>.</p>
<p>All this work is being repeated in so many other areas right now. Check out more on our efforts to comply with the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-07/Env-StrRest-FishPassageAnnualReport.pdf">federal court injunction (PDF 11.5MB)</a>.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-46634166904842316442024-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:002024-01-30T12:32:48.250-08:00Weekend-long closures coming to southbound SR 529, starting Jan. 19<p><strong>UPDATE 1:52 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29</strong><br>Work on the SR 529 bridge project has been postponed. We will get word out when new dates have been set.</p>
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<p><em>By Tom Pearce</em></p>
<p>Maintenance and preservation are a big part of what we do at our agency. Among other tasks, we inspect more than 3,900 bridges – and when I say bridges, that includes overpasses – in the state at least once every two years. As you can imagine, that’s a lot of poking around, particularly in some tight spaces on some of those structures.</p>
<p>Last year during a routine inspection of the 97-year-old southbound State Route 529 Steamboat Slough Bridge just south of Marysville, our crews found about a dozen worn gusset plates, which connect steel beams. The bridge remains safe to use, but we reduced the speed limit to 25 mph last summer to lessen vibrations and wear.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGTT-WlqwJxbdAHPMiwCiDjjQUJLNN_ok9h2al73kTM0YDEdE-VYxQlnNfVeeGeo1E8-csh7iky65EtvsD6aSZbmQm9SNmHpUdNJeUl5if-SkEgUQ_AiXn18wWTSjV9tV34eZDM010XVXypdxenSOftpfnY4bDis74PEZ-icb02nSrxB3qUtdPoEX/s1200/120623-Gusset-plate-with-holes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGTT-WlqwJxbdAHPMiwCiDjjQUJLNN_ok9h2al73kTM0YDEdE-VYxQlnNfVeeGeo1E8-csh7iky65EtvsD6aSZbmQm9SNmHpUdNJeUl5if-SkEgUQ_AiXn18wWTSjV9tV34eZDM010XVXypdxenSOftpfnY4bDis74PEZ-icb02nSrxB3qUtdPoEX/w640-h480/120623-Gusset-plate-with-holes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the plates that will be replaced on the southbound SR 529 Steamboat Slough Bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>It’s taken time to hire a contractor and order replacement parts, but we’re ready to start that work now. In order to replace these worn plates, we’ll need a few weekend-long southbound SR 529 closures, the first of which begins at 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2. Southbound SR 529 will reopen at 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5. We’ll repeat the closures the weekends of Feb. 10-11 and 24-25, depending on weather.</p>
<p>During the weekend-long closures, people traveling from Marysville to Everett will need to use southbound Interstate 5. People still can get to the west side of SR 529 from northbound SR 529.</p>
<h4>Why a full southbound closure?</h4>
<p>We need to close the southbound SR 529 lanes because we need the bridge to be still as we remove the old plates and install the new ones. As you can imagine, any traffic on the bridge would create vibrations, which isn’t ideal when you remove a piece that connects the beams.</p>
<p>Once this work is complete, we should be able to return southbound SR 529 to its regular 55 mph speed limit.</p>
<h4>Regular bridge inspections</h4>
<p>While we check our bridges at least every two years, sometimes our inspectors see things that require more frequent inspections. Our bridge crews have checked the Steamboat Slough Bridge about every six months since 2022. This past summer, they determined we need to replace the plates, which were part of the original structure.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjVxYbxpZI9RN2RkF7l_A-uWMaFgt9ZZW1l9uuX_nKudGDzgO9b98ZS0L92QxnEZvm7DEYjmQWUhoInBe73TRdjp6Ed95YSwbqz3PzG6r7Zgh215q_77rjRfK8cSPrPAXWaGpoB8J0snTpSnD9QoqS5pYEpYGHyXMccBbY_K4UMV199EuuRaxKg2e/s2199/SB-Steamboat-Slough-Bridge-looking-east.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="2199" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjVxYbxpZI9RN2RkF7l_A-uWMaFgt9ZZW1l9uuX_nKudGDzgO9b98ZS0L92QxnEZvm7DEYjmQWUhoInBe73TRdjp6Ed95YSwbqz3PzG6r7Zgh215q_77rjRfK8cSPrPAXWaGpoB8J0snTpSnD9QoqS5pYEpYGHyXMccBbY_K4UMV199EuuRaxKg2e/w640-h262/SB-Steamboat-Slough-Bridge-looking-east.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The southbound SR 529 Steamboat Slough Bridge, built in 1927</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>A little history</h4>
<p>The southbound SR 529 Steamboat Slough Bridge is part of the original highway across the Snohomish River delta between Everett and Marysville. Opened in 1927 as part of US 99, the highway had one lane in each direction. The structure is a swing bridge, meaning it can rotate to open a channel for boats to continue upriver. For comparison, the SR 529 Snohomish River bridges have a lift span that raises a section allowing boats to pass.</p>
<p>In 1954, a separate road for US 99 northbound lanes opened, so the original road became southbound only. When US 99 was decommissioned in 1971, the road became part of the state system and was renamed SR 529.</p>
<h4>More work on SR 529</h4>
<p>The southbound Steamboat Slough work is part of a <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-529-snohomish-river-steamboat-slough-bridge-repair-rehab-paint">larger preservation project</a> that also involves the northbound Steamboat Slough Bridge and the SR 529 twin bridges over the Snohomish River.</p>
<p>A four-month closure of the northbound SR 529 Snohomish River Bridge is the biggie for this project. Before we close the bridge this spring, our contractor crews will build a crossover between the northbound and southbound lanes north of the bridge. When the closure begins, the southbound SR 529 Snohomish River Bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction. After crossing the bridge, northbound traffic will use the crossover to return to the northbound lanes. Our contractor is planning to operate a shuttle to move cyclists and pedestrians between Everett and Marysville.</p>
<p>In addition to the southbound Steamboat Slough Bridge closures, the northbound bridge also will have a couple of multi-day closures. During these, northbound traffic will detour via I-5.</p>
<p>With so much work to complete, this project will continue into 2025. We expect some challenges with traffic, but if you plan ahead and use an alternative, such as I-5, that will help those who need to use SR 529. Thanks for your patience!</p>Ryan Lanierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631041934419474402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-75957633695868249002023-12-28T13:31:00.000-08:002024-01-09T08:00:50.713-08:00Protecting US 2: Project reduces debris flow risk to highway near Bolt Creek Fire burn scar<p><em>By David Rasbach</em></p>
<p>The 2022 Bolt Creek Fire burned nearly 15,000 acres in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. We had to close US 2 east of Gold Bar several times because of the active fire and debris falling onto the highway. The fire also left a burn scar that will take several years to recover.</p>
<p>Even after the fire, there is still a chance that debris, such as rocks and mud, might flow down from the Bolt Creek Fire burn scar. But we have good news! We just finished a project that will make it less likely for<a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-2-grotto-vicinity-slope-stabilization"> debris flows to block travel</a> along US 2/Stevens Pass Highway.</p>
<h4>Burn scars and debris flows</h4>
<p>Wildfires can change the landscape, turning dense trees and vegetation into large areas with ashes and dry soil, known as burn scars.</p>
<p>If it rains a lot or snow on the ground melts really fast, these burn scars can produce fast-moving landslides called <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=1fa256aab42f204fJmltdHM9MTcwMzU0ODgwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYWZlNWMyMi05N2Q0LTY0ZmMtMWI5ZC00ZTYyOTY2NzY1MzAmaW5zaWQ9NTUwMg&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=1afe5c22-97d4-64fc-1b9d-4e6296676530&psq=debris+flow+definition&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNncy5nb3YvZmFxcy93aGF0LWRlYnJpcy1mbG93Izp-OnRleHQ9RGVicmlzJTIwZmxvd3MlMjBhcmUlMjBmYXN0LW1vdmluZyUyMGxhbmRzbGlkZXMlMjB0aGF0JTIwYXJlJTIwcGFydGljdWxhcmx5LHdvcmxkJTJDJTIwaW5jbHVkaW5nJTIwYWxsJTIwNTAlMjBzdGF0ZXMlMjBhbmQlMjBVLlMuJTIwVGVycml0b3JpZXMu&ntb=1">debris flows</a>. These can be dangerous and might harm people and property within their path.</p>
<p>After the Bolt Creek wildfire, our geotechs studied the area and found two areas near the burn scar, about four miles northwest of Skykomish, where there is a higher risk of debris flows that could affect US 2.</p>
<h4>Protecting the road: culverts and berms</h4>
<p>In one of these areas, there are two culverts under US 2 that might get clogged if debris flows down the stream.</p>
<p>If the culverts clog, water, rocks and even trees could spill across the highway, forcing us to close it to clean up and maybe fix the guardrails and pavement.</p>
<p>To reduce this risk, we built two debris fences – one 60 feet long and the other 110 feet long – above each culvert. These fences should help stop some of the debris that reaches the culverts if a debris flow happens.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPosxYLjHhOOgLCmKH6d94w1BhzD1kN6pfMy50fgf97j5mC41iMmUJ1LUIvsskTdjrqIOLtYMMLMpqfFUanVNZHGAmWXwmcFzRkvoROzSVzh51ehF7QDz5S_4iPx6bvBuS6sBPbyTcsj8_aJ13y7mLVAdzCYkXqf4jOqE0vgDmtj84wpw0KjMQDTw3C4Cj/s1920/110123%20Compost%20sock%20for%20erosion%20control.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A stream channel above US 2 about 4 miles northwest of Skykomish. The channel is filled with rocks, and vegetation grows nearby. A long compost sock sits near the channel to control erosion." border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPosxYLjHhOOgLCmKH6d94w1BhzD1kN6pfMy50fgf97j5mC41iMmUJ1LUIvsskTdjrqIOLtYMMLMpqfFUanVNZHGAmWXwmcFzRkvoROzSVzh51ehF7QDz5S_4iPx6bvBuS6sBPbyTcsj8_aJ13y7mLVAdzCYkXqf4jOqE0vgDmtj84wpw0KjMQDTw3C4Cj/w640-h480/110123%20Compost%20sock%20for%20erosion%20control.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debris fences were installed along the stream channels above two culverts under US 2 to help <br />reduce the chances a debris flow could clog the culvert.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qMpsNFvpg1b1Qb865jB7raLqglsD0DfK9lRx-cstise-ysV2-pzMdp9joi0eT7pGC9weuhFy1GbsdFvxi4dKDkMR08Zg3JORxOSCYpOCqrRHXbE6dJ3Y9vAdEYev9XYunVdS5TPM2sn5OnNnT8v5-vMkxPQj0NXXoeDQQRJE-R1x3KrQo9zNP0qjlVbc/s1628/112723%20pouring%20post%20foundation%20and%20vibing%20concrete.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="concrete being poured into a square wooden frame in the ground. A circular rebar foundation is in the center of the square." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1628" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qMpsNFvpg1b1Qb865jB7raLqglsD0DfK9lRx-cstise-ysV2-pzMdp9joi0eT7pGC9weuhFy1GbsdFvxi4dKDkMR08Zg3JORxOSCYpOCqrRHXbE6dJ3Y9vAdEYev9XYunVdS5TPM2sn5OnNnT8v5-vMkxPQj0NXXoeDQQRJE-R1x3KrQo9zNP0qjlVbc/w640-h354/112723%20pouring%20post%20foundation%20and%20vibing%20concrete.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews pour a post foundation for a new debris fence along US 2.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLr4fuW6NH5pplrLaYckI7F_gUGRNuVsuu4bg8EwMJ-vgxBk1bkO-WzS3YzxcbLJIqLiTs5gDen5Clw7fHmt9_1vrIBBRD4LGkI5FTJrdx-BhQMicUI47DM1MUMiwnD_0wg5o83XHiCJFJDqCsnh8VWdoOkKQvhCaDO1o1_1b1lHNr84NURf-biqSMeMr/s1329/111623%20anchor%20drilling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A large, blue and yellow drill balanced on a hill side drills an anchor hole for a debris fence being installed along US 2 near Skykomish. A crew member sits above the drill." border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1329" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLr4fuW6NH5pplrLaYckI7F_gUGRNuVsuu4bg8EwMJ-vgxBk1bkO-WzS3YzxcbLJIqLiTs5gDen5Clw7fHmt9_1vrIBBRD4LGkI5FTJrdx-BhQMicUI47DM1MUMiwnD_0wg5o83XHiCJFJDqCsnh8VWdoOkKQvhCaDO1o1_1b1lHNr84NURf-biqSMeMr/w640-h430/111623%20anchor%20drilling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work crews drill holes where anchors for posts that will support a debris fence <br />along US 2 will be installed.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LhqT9MdjpZxVmLVyFV7nJ3IgM8p9e8b_RosdF3OzGnvcbYXdR6VYT8BsXSMT1cqGmso68qgFlMcLYAr-mFaRl5jRM1oLdqVa0e8y6qXKE5FI0rEwmsf9RvcQlCQGs1GrDi9O-d5PPDlrWH0vtlXJjpwTlRUFtPnIB6mRWKuSLpGwjuKsnMuCpN1NgMW6/s1726/121523%20Debris%20fence%20install%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="a worker stringing up a debris fence between two metal posts in the ground. Two circles are suspended on wires, and an orange plastic fence is in the background." border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1726" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LhqT9MdjpZxVmLVyFV7nJ3IgM8p9e8b_RosdF3OzGnvcbYXdR6VYT8BsXSMT1cqGmso68qgFlMcLYAr-mFaRl5jRM1oLdqVa0e8y6qXKE5FI0rEwmsf9RvcQlCQGs1GrDi9O-d5PPDlrWH0vtlXJjpwTlRUFtPnIB6mRWKuSLpGwjuKsnMuCpN1NgMW6/w640-h334/121523%20Debris%20fence%20install%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews begin hanging a new debris fence along US 2 near Skykomish.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDXeu6z81tgA5ifEuSUIG7fbDmSXgQ3Zj4d26wH2rfEu1wCmf86RV_P-XXpL0voaronsfQ5GaS69Zfl11AV57EY3qAma4RS8Yw_2CPjmw1O0hDgQp6XaV1dACIu_F9dnm21T0E-Qqgu0piO9mfNR4S46NThtQKQ6toFcR_dO1f6hL72Vm70oDoPmSnsKg/s1715/122023%20East%20Fence%20Complete.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Work crews placing a tan erosion blanket over the earth berm along US 2. A dump truck towing a trailer with construction equipment sits along the shoulder of the highway." border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1715" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDXeu6z81tgA5ifEuSUIG7fbDmSXgQ3Zj4d26wH2rfEu1wCmf86RV_P-XXpL0voaronsfQ5GaS69Zfl11AV57EY3qAma4RS8Yw_2CPjmw1O0hDgQp6XaV1dACIu_F9dnm21T0E-Qqgu0piO9mfNR4S46NThtQKQ6toFcR_dO1f6hL72Vm70oDoPmSnsKg/w640-h336/122023%20East%20Fence%20Complete.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The project installed two debris fences above culverts that run under US 2.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>A few hundred feet up the highway, our geotechs identified a second area where a debris flow could slide across US 2.</p>
<p>In this area, our experts thought it would be a good idea to build a 6-foot-tall wall, called a berm, made of natural materials. This berm will guide any potential debris flows away from US 2 to a lower natural “catch” area near the highway. The berm is 94 feet long and required nearly 300 tons of material to build.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5FMQ5JADXkp0UCLWEAAAFnaebX1DtGXGtmWy8N2o-5m80rg2f33JN5tGvNbGI-nwHft0GHip15l1rIc3r3iFol-y0caubJaXkNOv9tUdk204Hlh2MbKpcxGfjVQb2VEFfL6WGgPRIlAUL1ggr1kx1zHj_XsMOOj-r6KqYBFPQjTQShP6pMnUujkMl0qH/s1344/110823%20compacting%20berm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A worker on a roller compacting a pile of dirt along US 2 near Skykomish. An excavator sits along the berm next to the guardrail." border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1344" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5FMQ5JADXkp0UCLWEAAAFnaebX1DtGXGtmWy8N2o-5m80rg2f33JN5tGvNbGI-nwHft0GHip15l1rIc3r3iFol-y0caubJaXkNOv9tUdk204Hlh2MbKpcxGfjVQb2VEFfL6WGgPRIlAUL1ggr1kx1zHj_XsMOOj-r6KqYBFPQjTQShP6pMnUujkMl0qH/w640-h428/110823%20compacting%20berm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews began compacting soil that will make up an earth berm that will help protect US 2 from a <br />potential debris flow from the Bolt Creek Fire burn scar.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4O33vpjmOIenLtgYLzh0OQxicDS1-NhfMUeqZzXQccf8pyp2NZsnVfXetwehVZ8-v-bXlV19tNXL7oUIe9tMieIs-M1-uQ0Vz-4DbmK8iuHVxDmOK3V1aWn8GD4EhSFLu0OBexCdYksNvX-adoaq155Uxq5R_UaLRxU1dlhY-O7jCaz2RKpVV0cQ630-/s1644/111323%20completed%20berm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A berm made out of dirt along US 2 near Skykomish. An excavator is parked on the side of the road." border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1644" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4O33vpjmOIenLtgYLzh0OQxicDS1-NhfMUeqZzXQccf8pyp2NZsnVfXetwehVZ8-v-bXlV19tNXL7oUIe9tMieIs-M1-uQ0Vz-4DbmK8iuHVxDmOK3V1aWn8GD4EhSFLu0OBexCdYksNvX-adoaq155Uxq5R_UaLRxU1dlhY-O7jCaz2RKpVV0cQ630-/w640-h349/111323%20completed%20berm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed earthen berm stands 6 feet tall and is 94 feet long. It will help protect US 2 in the event of a debris flow in the area, channeling the flow to a natural lower “catch” area.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IliOh6e323n4vIoIrQyvA9jWtOY72GkusL2nR6zwiNTxhxaDfdhSBWtu2lLrNxAIMlN9sNGTj4i2pAqMCXDWdnvfU1VmpSX8iXsx1j7bFLbc7LGUKPP6H75K_4BMM2PWP9q0Tbm2oDT9uIp2V3S-CgXBw4cpYTHWahgR7YkGhYsG3DchWqlFPgckuSOA/s1563/111623%20erosion%20blanket%20top%20view%20berm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Work crews placing a tan erosion blanket over the earth berm along US 2. A dump truck towing a trailer with construction equipment sits along the shoulder of the highway." border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1563" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IliOh6e323n4vIoIrQyvA9jWtOY72GkusL2nR6zwiNTxhxaDfdhSBWtu2lLrNxAIMlN9sNGTj4i2pAqMCXDWdnvfU1VmpSX8iXsx1j7bFLbc7LGUKPP6H75K_4BMM2PWP9q0Tbm2oDT9uIp2V3S-CgXBw4cpYTHWahgR7YkGhYsG3DchWqlFPgckuSOA/w640-h368/111623%20erosion%20blanket%20top%20view%20berm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An erosion blanket is placed atop the new earthen berm. The berm will help direct a <br />potential debris flow in the area away from US 2.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29GXUNUCD7V-1cv8n-ujnFPHOsyXfpjucydFDNNbYGr_gVfjAdlREgR9j7NzDO-cRcBaXHVoHlQLo_t_3D9-lcwJMKZUqs8eIh3Bc8XDmjWT8ugzHrmYQW4KP7pwCXn3zwqPEAuXKX_3RrVno02WnKiSsXOc7APEURvcZKDqaWnPQV0R6L6TFzK0CrBLZ/s4032/121223%20Berm.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The completed earthen berm with an erosion blanket over the top. An orange construction barrel sits on the shoulder of US 2 near the berm." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29GXUNUCD7V-1cv8n-ujnFPHOsyXfpjucydFDNNbYGr_gVfjAdlREgR9j7NzDO-cRcBaXHVoHlQLo_t_3D9-lcwJMKZUqs8eIh3Bc8XDmjWT8ugzHrmYQW4KP7pwCXn3zwqPEAuXKX_3RrVno02WnKiSsXOc7APEURvcZKDqaWnPQV0R6L6TFzK0CrBLZ/w640-h480/121223%20Berm.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed earthen berm stands 6 feet tall and is 94 feet long. It will help protect US 2 in the event of a debris flow in the area, channeling the flow to a natural lower “catch” area.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Finishing up work</h4>
<p>In order to get all of this work done, we had to make some changes to the traffic on US 2, but most of the work is done now. In spring 2024, we’ll add native plant seeds to help stabilize the area, but we won’t need any lane closures for that work.</p>
<p>Our maintenance crews will keep an eye on the highway along the burn scar, looking for downed trees and limbs, clearing ditches and culverts and looking for any early warning signs of a potential debris flow.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the berm and the fences are never tested by a debris flow, but Mother Nature is uncontrollable. What we can control is that we have taken the necessary steps to reduce the risk and keep US 2 open while the area recovers from the Bolt Creek Fire.</p>
DeAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18140442383032217490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-23446366053983490892023-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:002023-12-18T16:30:01.519-08:00Answering your questions about toll rate changes for I-405 and SR 167<p><em>By Chris Foster</em></p>
<p>The Washington State Transportation Commission — which is responsible for setting toll rates — recently began work to assess and adjust toll rates for the Interstate 405 and State Route 167 express toll lanes. The Commission has released its toll rate proposal, which includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increasing the minimum toll rate to $1</li>
<li>Increasing the maximum toll rate to $15</li>
<li>Extending evening tolling on I-405 by one hour, to 8 p.m.</li>
</ul>
<p>The goal of the express toll lanes is to provide a reliable trip for transit, carpoolers and drivers who choose to pay a toll. To achieve this goal, the express toll lanes use dynamic pricing to set the toll rates.</p>
<p>When traffic volumes in the express toll lanes are low, the toll rate is low. As lane volumes increase, so does the toll rate which helps avoid overfilling the lanes to ensure a reliable trip for people choosing to use the lanes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3FWpH2d8H2KcYZn-b1ZI0CD1MP6TGKIkoizonKR5BAJtl8lxxThtmOrNUy5vUSSeG625zK5uJx1NIv4Mvo6ihAyAp_KSBef4Q1SMJXS1oY88lA0XCmjdtfLcW-CYMN6tH65_r8xC4TXxEjgbo0gu0gIZ7UbM-G3Y131St6-6mMqE1jJOjsXUnR_1xxQ/s1600/cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3FWpH2d8H2KcYZn-b1ZI0CD1MP6TGKIkoizonKR5BAJtl8lxxThtmOrNUy5vUSSeG625zK5uJx1NIv4Mvo6ihAyAp_KSBef4Q1SMJXS1oY88lA0XCmjdtfLcW-CYMN6tH65_r8xC4TXxEjgbo0gu0gIZ7UbM-G3Y131St6-6mMqE1jJOjsXUnR_1xxQ/w640-h360/cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Washington State Transportation Commission recently proposed <br />increasing toll rates on I-405 and SR 167.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The Commission has not adjusted toll rates for the SR 167 HOT lanes and the I-405 express toll lanes since the toll facilities opened in 2008 (SR 167) and 2015 (I-405). The decision to increase toll rates is never made lightly and is informed by careful analysis.</p>
<p>With that in mind, we want to provide a chance for you to <a href="https://wstc.wa.gov/commission-feedback/">share your thoughts</a> on the proposed toll rate proposal. You can get more information on the proposal, the process, the schedule and how to provide comments on <a href="https://wstc.wa.gov/programs/tolling/2024-i-405-sr-167-toll-rate-setting/">the Commission’s website</a>. The Commission will hold its final hearing regarding the proposed changes at 9 a.m. on January 29. The hearing will be virtual and you can register to attend and comment on <a href="https://wstc.wa.gov/programs/tolling/2024-i-405-sr-167-toll-rate-setting/">the Commission’s website</a>.</p>
<p>We also know you probably have questions about the decision to adjust toll rates. We’ll answer some of the more common questions we receive and share the rationale behind why increasing the minimum and maximum toll rates is needed.</p>
<h4>Why now?</h4>
<p>With the new <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405renton-bellevue-widening-and-express-toll-lanes-project">Renton to Bellevue express toll lanes</a> scheduled to open in 2025, assessing the toll rates for the current facilities is necessary to ensure consistency for the future 50-mile corridor. However, a couple of different factors play into the updated timing for the rate adjustments currently being considered:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=47.56.880">Per state law</a>, the Commission is required to periodically review toll rates in relation to traffic performance of all lanes to determine if the toll rates are effectively maintaining travel time, speed and reliability. The Legislature included further direction regarding rate adjustments in the <a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1125-S.SL.pdf#page=1">most recent transportation budget</a>.</li>
<li>Population in the corridor has increased significantly since these facilities opened, and congestion has continued to worsen. As a result, the express toll lanes are unable to consistently meet their performance goals, and people paying to use the lanes are experiencing slower speeds.</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the key metrics we use to measure express toll lane performance is how often traffic is traveling 45 mph or more during peak periods (5 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.). The graph below shows the percentage of time speeds reached or exceeded 45 mph during the past year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LVeQPAsYmxp0fqGVplhPmF16-1ZLLUqKLBjvpoL4Fv4OcbdHxfQK02GmcOBKEY2cMgFu7PXIJothQE4jkmaue4TE2IbyaIr3BZboWLA9JlzgEl4WN6T9r3ZlRYrnJQRJHbFTaSdRpqPpS4iMhnPm68OKD9zBAP_ZPkMnHz1_lHcDrMirmOjrUJ2f7l4/s1023/blog-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1023" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LVeQPAsYmxp0fqGVplhPmF16-1ZLLUqKLBjvpoL4Fv4OcbdHxfQK02GmcOBKEY2cMgFu7PXIJothQE4jkmaue4TE2IbyaIr3BZboWLA9JlzgEl4WN6T9r3ZlRYrnJQRJHbFTaSdRpqPpS4iMhnPm68OKD9zBAP_ZPkMnHz1_lHcDrMirmOjrUJ2f7l4/w640-h406/blog-1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Only the northbound I-405 peak period— which features more capacity with two express toll lanes between Bellevue and Bothell — is consistently meeting the 45 mph metric. The remaining three sections often reach the maximum rate due to high demand, at which point the ability to manage traffic and ensure a reliable trip is limited.</p>
<p>The Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project will add two new express toll lanes in each direction. Increasing the maximum rate will provide greater ability to manage traffic when many people are choosing to use the lanes, and help generate revenue for important corridor projects such as the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/business-wsdot/contracting-opportunities/i-405-brickyard-sr-527-improvement-project">I-405 Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement project</a> and the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-167toll-upgrade-project">SR 167 Toll Equipment Upgrade project</a>.</p>
<h4>Won’t this price out people who can’t afford to use the lanes for $15?</h4>
<p>Most people won’t end up paying the maximum toll rate. In September 2023, the average daily toll paid by drivers with an active <em>Good To Go!</em> account and pass installed in their vehicle was $2.41 for the I-405 express toll lanes, and $3.36 for the SR 167 HOT lanes. During that same time, only 4 percent of trips reached the maximum rate in the I-405 express toll lanes, and 8 percent in the SR 167 HOT lanes.</p>
<p>If and when the toll rate reaches its maximum, that means many people are choosing to pay for a reliable trip, most likely due to heavy congestion in the general purpose lanes. We know some drivers will adjust their travel times, as the maximum toll rate is typically only reached during peak periods. Other drivers may adjust the way they commute (by joining a carpool or using public transportation).</p>
<h4>How often will toll rates reach the new maximum?</h4>
<p>We don’t know for sure how often the lanes will fill up and slow speeds down, causing the rates to increase. We do know that the current rates are reaching the maximum rate during peak periods more frequently, and when that happens, performance decreases as travel speeds in the lane slow down for everyone. In other words, people are paying for but not receiving the intended 45 mph or better speeds.</p>
<p>We looked at how often speeds were reaching 45 mph during peak periods in September 2023 from Tuesdays to Thursdays — which are generally the days we see the highest traffic volumes — and how often the toll rates were reaching their maximum during that same timeframe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQAPDLkNmhx7SNGOAv66s_0vfKWoCp2Teew4NcFtN8nzW4kmbKBk147sdWXQ1k6XN4Zxgq2e86WON7RjDKlyiss8BmeKA-Dl5dFlsTot0Yfw4zRUVcqw9sSMtRQTrCOaDf6qImM84J3BcLbgM2ZJMWVRzuYl3pQ6MQdDezRShD2jRnSWY7o8daQ8HY8/s1115/blog-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1115" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtQAPDLkNmhx7SNGOAv66s_0vfKWoCp2Teew4NcFtN8nzW4kmbKBk147sdWXQ1k6XN4Zxgq2e86WON7RjDKlyiss8BmeKA-Dl5dFlsTot0Yfw4zRUVcqw9sSMtRQTrCOaDf6qImM84J3BcLbgM2ZJMWVRzuYl3pQ6MQdDezRShD2jRnSWY7o8daQ8HY8/w640-h374/blog-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>As you can see in the chart above, sections of the corridor that reach the maximum toll rate more frequently are meeting the 45 mph speed metric less often. In other words, once the toll rates reach their maximums, our ability to manage the lanes is limited and the result is slower speeds and a less reliable trip.</p>
<h4>What is the timeline for these changes?</h4>
<p>The Commission’s schedule for making changes to the toll rates is as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>January 17/18, 2024: The Commission will take public comment on the selected toll rate changes.</li>
<li>January 29, 2024: The Commission will hold a final hearing to adopt toll rate changes, and public comment will be taken at the hearing.</li>
<li>March 1, 2024: Toll rate adjustments take effect.</li>
</ul>
<p>You can <a href="https://wstc.wa.gov/meetings/">sign up to attend and provide comments</a> at the two January Commission meetings on their website.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-36950216875319720622023-12-12T09:23:00.000-08:002023-12-12T09:23:40.212-08:00The nuts and bolts of keeping our equipment running<p><em>By Tina Werner</em></p>
<p>Winter weather has arrived in the Pacific Northwest and you’ve likely already seen images of our snow plows and other equipment out keeping roads clear and safe. But what you haven’t seen much of is the work of our maintenance mechanics, the MVPs behind the scenes tirelessly working to keep that equipment running. And especially this time of year, that is no easy task. With more than 500 snowplows and many other pieces of equipment, it’s a never-ending challenge to keep everything ready to go for winter.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPd7k27X6iM1rAUSD6SzBabScnUQ-MLZjHfIjtQaFj2ebmgeQcyi5Isqjol_TYmHj3dvDczjpajkZy_71j2GOQ5NghFHiYue7I568cXHUtH2oSBLTuYrRwXaQ3zEYV8CXZhdP3piUN03QyV9I2QmaD08i9efQop4FyINJamI0tkFx24qwaxqspnbgu0g/s1200/wenatchee-shop-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPd7k27X6iM1rAUSD6SzBabScnUQ-MLZjHfIjtQaFj2ebmgeQcyi5Isqjol_TYmHj3dvDczjpajkZy_71j2GOQ5NghFHiYue7I568cXHUtH2oSBLTuYrRwXaQ3zEYV8CXZhdP3piUN03QyV9I2QmaD08i9efQop4FyINJamI0tkFx24qwaxqspnbgu0g/w640-h480/wenatchee-shop-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlier this fall our Wenatchee maintenance shop was hard at work preparing snow blowers <br />and dump trucks for winter operations.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>By the numbers</h4>
<p>While our named tow plows – Plowie McPlow Plow, The Big Leplowski, Sir Plows-A-Lot and Betty Whiteout – get a lot of attention, they are just four of 565 snowplows/dump trucks we maintain statewide. We also have 36 motor graders and 29 snowblowers, and it’s a lot of work to make sure they run smoothly each year. In 2023 alone, we spent 846 hours of labor on our snowplows, which ran for 18,000 hours. Combined that is approximately 815,000 miles traveled to clear and treat roads of snow and ice across the state – and doesn’t count labor or miles traveled for our graders or blowers, which you can imagine is a lot.</p>
<p>In preparation for this winter, we purchased just about 1,000 new plow bits – disposable parts that ride on the ground, shave snow and ice from the road and need to be replaced to keep equipment operational – to the cost of $976,380. Plow bits can be replaced monthly if they’re used in moderate snow and as often as every week in heavy snow, while maintenance shops that see little snow may only have to replace them every year.</p>
<p>And you thought maintaining your vehicle was expensive!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc8nowPWZuQiotknI5lhlwngZBjKS_A3IAvJnvzVVddQ-KxxEXIRzuMG1zCFLjuo_DlAW07l03QZkfw68kJ05RNWaBi7zAYE8YjZJJ8xe7_kON_Uns7ZlIEAMrArOuu8_65KeMP4VmBaA4NhYb8Jm7qbgAMpo_wRMlxuceD1EpPseC2ryC0dKAQCOeYo/s961/plow-bits-chains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="961" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc8nowPWZuQiotknI5lhlwngZBjKS_A3IAvJnvzVVddQ-KxxEXIRzuMG1zCFLjuo_DlAW07l03QZkfw68kJ05RNWaBi7zAYE8YjZJJ8xe7_kON_Uns7ZlIEAMrArOuu8_65KeMP4VmBaA4NhYb8Jm7qbgAMpo_wRMlxuceD1EpPseC2ryC0dKAQCOeYo/w640-h300/plow-bits-chains.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting and keeping our vehicles ready for winter is no small task, and includes installing and <br />replacing plow bits (left) and putting tire chains on some pretty big tires.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Our plows cover more than 20,000 lane miles and travel at slower speeds to clear snow properly, right around 25 to 35 miles per hour. Our snow removal equipment needs constant maintenance, and sourcing to find the right part in the event it wears out or is damaged in a collision is vital. Occasionally, our mechanics are able to piece various parts together and create one-of-a-kind repairs because some of our trucks are so old they don’t make parts for them anymore. </p>
<h4>Switching to winter</h4>
<p>There is a lot that goes into a well-oiled maintenance shop and we aren’t just talking greasy hands and classic rock music. Our mechanics service dozens of vehicles every week and during storms they work both day and night to turn equipment around as quickly and as safely as possible to get snowplows back on the roads.</p>
<p>“It takes on average up to six hours to transition our dump trucks to operable snowplows during the winter,” said Bryan Dean, one of our equipment technician supervisors.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5kRDXTePAIhlvjmH-NzhXGGz4oPfMkqwIoKKGbawchDvoQhTPDBBeXwHm6RbEGqgPjjp8ppaPoijGxACwILbIDUWATmSeAug6AZcXIWqznFv5D54XAPq2lzh3ZK_e8M5h9Nr5eZc2UppfHeTCC7KAc_Ra0g5ybjUoAgkbCqix1cXZ-kz189usy_elg/s1200/wenatchee-shop-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon5kRDXTePAIhlvjmH-NzhXGGz4oPfMkqwIoKKGbawchDvoQhTPDBBeXwHm6RbEGqgPjjp8ppaPoijGxACwILbIDUWATmSeAug6AZcXIWqznFv5D54XAPq2lzh3ZK_e8M5h9Nr5eZc2UppfHeTCC7KAc_Ra0g5ybjUoAgkbCqix1cXZ-kz189usy_elg/w640-h480/wenatchee-shop-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our Wenatchee mechanics works under a dump truck to prepare it for winter. It takes on <br />average about six hours to switch a dump truck into a snowplow.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Our mechanics remove the dump body from the truck (which is used to haul dirt and other debris during the spring and summer) and add the salt body container to the back (which holds salt for treating the roads). Then we add the actual plow to the front of the dump truck and do a full commercial vehicle inspection before we give them the green light. Our mechanics are checking things like the brakes, windshield wipers, hydraulic hoses and air lines. Additional time may be needed if other repairs are discovered.</p>
<p>We recently honored one of our hard-working maintenance mechanics, Perry Chappelle, with our agency’s Fleet Administrator of Excellence Award in Leavenworth, where he works. Perry has transformed the Leavenworth parts room into a well-functioning program while creating a positive team environment for his other technicians servicing equipment. He has made the procurement of hard-to-source parts easier for his team, which in turn puts big trucks and plows back onto the road faster. Without folks like Perry sourcing equipment parts and making critical repairs to our plows, it would take longer to clear the roads and longer for drivers to get where they need to go. We’re so grateful to Perry and all our mechanics for their fantastic work.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-6xZqlT7ZoRIn1sJ6Vc2x5CdZqDU7jPhXG3hzCc0pnUkfA8NclPT4EDC3dONXJOJjsnGWOEcmiYH5s_EcN0AVF6JIgyFxxi0nO8n9xB1LOx07xD5aG9fhQnaMj9CuiOyv2tZZ2AuK8M0z7GxasEFh4pr3SmuiWHsy3J0k_zykT_1qfVVbU7lbkidZyA/s1200/ernie-and-perry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-6xZqlT7ZoRIn1sJ6Vc2x5CdZqDU7jPhXG3hzCc0pnUkfA8NclPT4EDC3dONXJOJjsnGWOEcmiYH5s_EcN0AVF6JIgyFxxi0nO8n9xB1LOx07xD5aG9fhQnaMj9CuiOyv2tZZ2AuK8M0z7GxasEFh4pr3SmuiWHsy3J0k_zykT_1qfVVbU7lbkidZyA/w640-h480/ernie-and-perry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perry Chappelle (left) is presented with our Fleet Administrator of Excellence award for his service <br />keeping our equipment running by Fleet Administrator Ernie Sims</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>We wouldn’t be who we are without the dedication of our employees – and especially this time of year - our mechanics.</p>
<h4>Join our team + we will train you to succeed!</h4>
<p>We are always looking for great people to join our team and that includes mechanics. We also provide ongoing training to our current staff so they can learn the ins and outs of equipment sourcing, repairs and to maintain their commercial drivers license to operate a snowplow. If you are interested in working on some mighty machines where your work helps keep travelers all over the state safe, check out our <a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/wsdot">employment page</a> and search “equipment technician, mechanic or highway maintenance worker” in the field bar.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-77584664458796890092023-11-30T11:53:00.000-08:002023-11-30T12:04:11.194-08:00Despite extra work caused by cold winters, regional repair project creates smoother ride on 17 bridges<p><em>By David Rasbach</em></p>
<p>If the past two winters seemed a little more harsh than usual to you, our bridges felt it, too.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, we wrapped up construction on our <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/northwest-region-strategic-concrete-bridge-deck-preservation">Northwest Region Strategic Concrete Bridge Deck Preservation</a> project. The original design called for repairing or replacing 6,960 square feet of damaged concrete sections along 17 bridges throughout King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2anu_TklFaB5DIf3Ay38c_E5WVMaktiQoELTqWoX99a5Ate3o4luKrlMsdbFz4axWG_Ucx1_NZXmB2SK-7NwV8fZG6KQhyVGPgnxDBPMwalBywrs95_gRNhE5NUQB7H03X3X5yKKwkE-0mUmjud9Ds3R7IGrhSXADzpNtjrvM23PwH_G5lrbQSxkFFU/s1260/Columbian-Way-repairs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1260" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2anu_TklFaB5DIf3Ay38c_E5WVMaktiQoELTqWoX99a5Ate3o4luKrlMsdbFz4axWG_Ucx1_NZXmB2SK-7NwV8fZG6KQhyVGPgnxDBPMwalBywrs95_gRNhE5NUQB7H03X3X5yKKwkE-0mUmjud9Ds3R7IGrhSXADzpNtjrvM23PwH_G5lrbQSxkFFU/w640-h458/Columbian-Way-repairs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews smooth a new section of concrete on westbound South Columbia Way bridge over I-5 in Seattle.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>When our contractor, Combined Construction Inc., completed work in mid-November, the area repaired had grown by more than 75 percent to 12,204 square feet. The biggest reason for that increase was the damage to the concrete caused by the cold temperatures seen during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 winter seasons.</p>
<p>Before the project made repairs, many of these concrete bridge decks had temporary patches covering old potholes and ruts. Removing damaged and patched areas and replacing them with new slabs of concrete helped preserve the bridges, <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/preserving-our-roads-bridges/bridge-structure-preservation">extend their lifespan</a> and provide a smoother ride.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuMM_PyZ-7OQh47j89xMrA7oJXRNQvIW145vMBa5ouzcu42fiK42BG4sav7TGDazCeMVtDFmHmnM5uiUcwmabiJLuOTR7jRLb88mBLDVss-9KiQJONU_tgSA324cF61GD04AWUvkjbe5y6x10hOBIUV_j2j78kdlvYVOAXMgOOBauHF891XLG7KvI868/s1400/Spokane-St.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1400" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuMM_PyZ-7OQh47j89xMrA7oJXRNQvIW145vMBa5ouzcu42fiK42BG4sav7TGDazCeMVtDFmHmnM5uiUcwmabiJLuOTR7jRLb88mBLDVss-9KiQJONU_tgSA324cF61GD04AWUvkjbe5y6x10hOBIUV_j2j78kdlvYVOAXMgOOBauHF891XLG7KvI868/w640-h412/Spokane-St.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews repaired damaged sections of 17 bridges across four western counties including the South Spokane St. on-ramp to southbound I-5 in Seattle.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Despite the increased workload courtesy of Mother Nature, we were able to make repairs in less than half the 87 work days allotted, lessening the inconvenience to people who use the bridges we repaired. Combined Construction lived up to its name, combining with us and a local concrete design specialist to create a concrete mix that would cure in just 12 hours. That allowed us to reduce the number of weekend-long closures needed from the 17 originally planned to just nine.</p>
<p>Some of the bridges we repaired included:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Cornell Creek and Glacier Creek bridges along State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway in Whatcom County.</li>
<li>The Baker River bridge along SR 20/North Cascades Highway and the SR 9 bridge over the Skagit River in Skagit County.</li>
<li>The Interstate 5 and Alderwood Mall Boulevard bridges over SR 524 in Lynnwood, along with the SR 203 bridge over the Skykomish River and the US 2 bridge over the South Fork Skykomish River in Snohomish County.</li>
<li>The I-90 bridges over Raging River and East Fork Issaquah Creek in King County.</li>
<li>Several bridges over I-5 south of Seattle, including the Spokane Street Viaduct/South Columbian Way bridges and ramps.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T59klmKudsLkJn7ISH7R55Wnj5n99jswSRh1cMEx6TIRFqlNwja5KTHMiOSOFLilyj1GfmEXLqb1NZrODHbe2aUFwtAXSm7jFcqXCo7bgVDxsvHjHs_CK1zC67ZwIKrK1fr1QBjMyz0KKhU23TD75QS3VuHv8bp4x9FkFh6H5i6fOIgXqJoy0pmzlqw/s929/NWR-Strategic-Bridge-deck-map.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T59klmKudsLkJn7ISH7R55Wnj5n99jswSRh1cMEx6TIRFqlNwja5KTHMiOSOFLilyj1GfmEXLqb1NZrODHbe2aUFwtAXSm7jFcqXCo7bgVDxsvHjHs_CK1zC67ZwIKrK1fr1QBjMyz0KKhU23TD75QS3VuHv8bp4x9FkFh6H5i6fOIgXqJoy0pmzlqw/s16000/NWR-Strategic-Bridge-deck-map.png" /></a></div>
<p>We recognize that even though crews were able to get a lot of work done in a shorter amount of time, anytime roads are disrupted it can be a hassle. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperations as we were able to get so many bridges repaired!</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-45206955076635888242023-11-28T12:13:00.000-08:002023-11-29T16:17:35.379-08:00Finding salmon in Purdy Creek and opening the new SR 302 Spur bridge<p><strong>CORRECTION: 4:15 p.m. Nov. 29, 2023</strong><br>The SR 302 Spur is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, Dec. 2.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>By Angela Cochran</em></p>
<p>As Gill said in Finding Nemo, “Fish aren’t made to be in a box, kid.” And even if many drains do lead to the ocean, fish may not be able to swim through some culverts along the way. Now, fish won’t struggle to pass under the State Route 302 Spur in Purdy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg9NiLKOz4yzYAI6Gd1OUP9p_0JtpBr3tZHkYRrHzQNAeZjVq7wwN4fQJReQxluZk81Eph-mD1LPNhI_x2rpPTqSmFQjkdgA_gXu5Xun8SHh8bM48IxBm-8G8ZTvSJncPgq90JqYhVB832crXtFFNlfTLVQqwCzk0sqc5fqLMTykbJNAKBeHHeBdgZ0A/s859/sr-302-spur-fish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="859" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAg9NiLKOz4yzYAI6Gd1OUP9p_0JtpBr3tZHkYRrHzQNAeZjVq7wwN4fQJReQxluZk81Eph-mD1LPNhI_x2rpPTqSmFQjkdgA_gXu5Xun8SHh8bM48IxBm-8G8ZTvSJncPgq90JqYhVB832crXtFFNlfTLVQqwCzk0sqc5fqLMTykbJNAKBeHHeBdgZ0A/w640-h476/sr-302-spur-fish.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish recently spotted swimming from Burley Lagoon into Purdy Creek and upstream under the SR 302 Spur</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Our contractor <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2023/fish-purdy-creek-will-just-keep-swimming-after-habitat-improvements-under-sr-302-spur">closed the SR 302 Spur</a> in April. The closure allowed crews to start building a bridge to replace an old culvert that was a barrier to fish. This past summer, we relocated the stream and blocked off the old culvert. Now, fish can swim freely between Burley Lagoon and Purdy Creek. And very soon, people will no longer have to detour around the construction. On Saturday, Dec. 2, crews will remove the detour and open the new bridge to traffic.</p>
<h4>Getting back to normal on Purdy Lane Northwest</h4>
<p>Once crews remove the detour, they will work to return things to the way they were before construction. This includes removing extra asphalt along the shoulders of Purdy Lane Northwest. Travelers can expect some nighttime lane closures while this work takes place. Then, crews will remove the “no parking” signs, and students and staff at Peninsula High School will be able to use that area as overflow parking again. We greatly appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while these temporary changes were in place. Our contractor also picked up trash throughout the area to leave a cleaner and safer route behind.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN82KkArBZYML3cuOAmn1u80jnP2A0ZdyLEbiU4oPlpoaFpsPXE_K_Z1y9SDOwH9wJNlORt26dyUoERLBzf6KHWbpYHGgyaWUtTd9Vwp_R6oYpv1Ep2voG5P7okyV2ULJSfcce8gJBTdA0M-5PUnYMfgMgh2ZbiPbVpvkeAboV3Z2UXx-MZzndjkGqd4/s2796/new-bridge-night-construction.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="2796" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN82KkArBZYML3cuOAmn1u80jnP2A0ZdyLEbiU4oPlpoaFpsPXE_K_Z1y9SDOwH9wJNlORt26dyUoERLBzf6KHWbpYHGgyaWUtTd9Vwp_R6oYpv1Ep2voG5P7okyV2ULJSfcce8gJBTdA0M-5PUnYMfgMgh2ZbiPbVpvkeAboV3Z2UXx-MZzndjkGqd4/w640-h184/new-bridge-night-construction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the cold weather and rain, crews paved the road leading up to the new bridge <br />and a portion of 144th Street Northwest.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>More work to do</h4>
<p>Even though the bridge will be open, we aren’t quite finished with the SR 302 Spur portion of the project. Crews still need to complete more paving work. </p>
<p>While we’d like to pave now, the weather isn’t cooperating. If we paved now, we wouldn’t have a quality and long-lasting driving surface. This is due to temperatures and why you see most paving work during the spring, summer and early fall.</p>
<p>That means we will be back in the spring to finish paving the SR 302 Spur, Purdy Lane Northwest and some of 144th Street Northwest.</p>
<p>After that happens, crews will apply the final pavement markings. We’re also thrilled to open the new shared-use path on the new bridge at that time. The community asked for this, and we listened. We changed plans to create a protected shared-use path for people who walk or roll. We are excited to offer this solution and greatly appreciate the community working with us.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIwbBUhKTRywgWLt9sCi5LQhwuxAcD6Cwh4pPFIpPwJGgOE4FC1f5iZr4NMOVT3vOZ-6sFTrFL9IAU7o_N1fCXXuM48C7Buh3z82TGTJtI2BT-yHIgUm1k98qXirC_MA8ApiNsjILTTkfPQZFAPjNtVcdmFkmI18QF_uSDQhLDndNMOH_XAiN9ocuBYc/s1493/shared-use-path-design.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1493" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIwbBUhKTRywgWLt9sCi5LQhwuxAcD6Cwh4pPFIpPwJGgOE4FC1f5iZr4NMOVT3vOZ-6sFTrFL9IAU7o_N1fCXXuM48C7Buh3z82TGTJtI2BT-yHIgUm1k98qXirC_MA8ApiNsjILTTkfPQZFAPjNtVcdmFkmI18QF_uSDQhLDndNMOH_XAiN9ocuBYc/w640-h342/shared-use-path-design.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People who walk and roll will have a protected path on the new SR 302 Bridge <br />when crews return in the spring.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Planning, designing and building a transportation system that includes access for all people including pedestrians and bicyclists is part of the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/complete-streets">Complete Streets</a> requirement that was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2022. However, this project was designed, advertised and awarded before the legislation was enacted.</p>
<p>Adding to the design is not something we are normally able to do during construction. But in this case, there is enough room on the new bridge to create the new protected shared-use path.</p>
<h4>SR 16 update</h4>
<p>While work is almost complete at the SR 302 Spur, there is another year or so left on the SR 16 portion of the project. Crews started working on the new bridge after moving eastbound traffic into the median lanes. They finished drilling the shafts a couple of weeks ago. The shafts provide the foundation for a new bridge. Workers are now building the walls, girders, and road features of the new bridge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBTkgSrtzIdPHgwEfz9hZk4E5_H6jGmgkE8QiaUw-EbmEijzveINDn9r8EgF7Wq3rp7Qa3AYGqTIEyYvtbyKYXY0oWvbWIqgPfsz-BTq8HukWgo1iQSYmWFc7d7JH4m5ESwW3-TZz5_Fi-ggswijLpIGc9yVutwv_633yoN1VZuXphyphenhyphenJma_Blt6asMYk/s1927/sr-16-purdy-creek-eb-bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1927" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBTkgSrtzIdPHgwEfz9hZk4E5_H6jGmgkE8QiaUw-EbmEijzveINDn9r8EgF7Wq3rp7Qa3AYGqTIEyYvtbyKYXY0oWvbWIqgPfsz-BTq8HukWgo1iQSYmWFc7d7JH4m5ESwW3-TZz5_Fi-ggswijLpIGc9yVutwv_633yoN1VZuXphyphenhyphenJma_Blt6asMYk/w640-h298/sr-16-purdy-creek-eb-bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After moving eastbound traffic into the median lanes, crews started drilling shafts <br />that will support the bridge girders.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>We expect to hit the next milestone sometime in the spring when we plan to set the bridge girders. The girders are the backbone and support the bridge deck. During girder setting, crews will close eastbound SR 16 to travelers for several nights with a detour around the work zone.</p>
<p>We’ll also be able to work in the water during the summer. That work will include relocating the stream and blocking off the culvert. It’s a similar approach to what we did at SR 302.</p>
<p>We expect to open the new eastbound bridge towards the end of 2024. We’ll be able to wrap up any remaining work after that to complete the project.</p>
<p>In the meantime, we will keep sending <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=WADOT_31">email updates</a> on any traffic or schedule changes. People can also get real-time traffic information on the <a href="https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/?layers=traffic-flow,alert,camera&extent=-122.66,47.34,-122.56,47.44">state-wide travel map</a> or by downloading our <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/mobile-app-and-social-media">app</a>. Please remember to slow down and pay attention in the work zone. A lot of this work takes place at night, and our crews want to get home to their families safe and sound.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-55879530554477910062023-11-28T08:05:00.000-08:002023-11-28T08:05:30.464-08:00Climate mitigation and the Highway System Plan<p><em>By James Detke</em></p>
<p>We seek to balance our policy goals of preservation, safety, stewardship, mobility, economic vitality, and environment when making decisions. Under limited funding this leads to difficult tradeoffs. The draft Highway System Plan (HSP) addresses many diverse and complex issues, one of which is Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG). To ensure the final funding recommendations balance policy goals and public preferences, the HSP includes GHG analysis of several investment scenarios.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeWu8jhMsFCwNcww1rkl1JQHQBPhGRUezExG80IrQtnkrmku4RJoR5m38Olmm5dXBxLRgbmL4U0mlI1U7RavGxQ9aSWsKI0qGZuzIwQyFV-AI0am718DtVPDlnW_yreOherXA7MXhhO_YhUGxNAp1gH5wb0ektw0_16rRsGCBQJHBE8yX0NqqZ0tE/s1349/People-riding-in-bike-lanes_Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1349" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeWu8jhMsFCwNcww1rkl1JQHQBPhGRUezExG80IrQtnkrmku4RJoR5m38Olmm5dXBxLRgbmL4U0mlI1U7RavGxQ9aSWsKI0qGZuzIwQyFV-AI0am718DtVPDlnW_yreOherXA7MXhhO_YhUGxNAp1gH5wb0ektw0_16rRsGCBQJHBE8yX0NqqZ0tE/w640-h426/People-riding-in-bike-lanes_Edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expanding infrastructure for people walking and biking on all roads including state highways can increase the number of people using low-emission transportation.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Modeling the outcomes of our options</h4>
<p>We used state of the art analysis to test and compare the performance of different futures to inform decisions. This analysis examined how changes in funding would lead to changes in the transportation system and how people use it.</p>
<p>The final scenarios we considered provided between 2.3 and 3.7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the baseline scenario. The baseline uses estimated 2040 emissions with no changes to future funding.</p>
<p>The baseline is not the focus of the analysis but provides a common reference point to focus on the effects of the funding scenarios alone. A major feature of the baseline and all scenarios was consistency with the state energy strategy, which calls for all light duty vehicles sold from model year 2030 and beyond to be electric, including transit vans. Additionally, the analysis assumed there would be no changes to the powertrains or fuel sources of heavy trucks or transit buses. Our modeling excluded all marine vessels, vehicles and equipment off the roads, and aircraft.</p>
<h4>Effective levers to reduce emissions</h4>
<p>As part of our analysis, we created an illustrative scenario that examined the impact we could have when considering more than just highway program funding. The changes we examined in this analysis included tolling, fuel taxes, parking costs, congestion fees and more.</p>
<p>While we did not complete a full analysis due to time limitations, this unconstrained scenario provided a 12.19% reduction to GHG emissions compared to baseline. The meaningful reductions in emissions from changes to highway funding are just one part of the story. Changes in fuel sources and land use systems can lead to substantially greater reductions.</p>
<p>Along with our partners we are involved in larger projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our state through methods other than highway spending. The Washington State Energy Strategy outlines two main strategies to reduce emissions – one through efficiency improvements and the other through increasing adoption of electric and low-carbon fuel vehicles.</p>
<p>Moving people and goods more efficiently and equitably will require a combination of strategies that eliminate some trips, reduce the length of some trips, and improve transportation choices to substitute more efficient modes for driving alone. Vehicle travel can be reduced if we can access our jobs, education, goods, and services comfortably and efficiently using transit, walking, biking, rolling, or through online methods.</p>
<p>One big way we are working towards moving people efficiently is through <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/complete-streets">complete streets</a>. Complete streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining the transportation system that enables safe and convenient access to destinations for all people using all types of transportation. All agency projects costing $500,000 or more are required to incorporate complete streets principles.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYDI_i3kqYsOT_AEn7sPqh8jYIEwQ2hv4PA0yjJPOQKjBkZvyGFuGiYPCzp6KYm9pSKKJOsFG-hYUjMNKIwwWLxTVwsnSD2RP_11wUaRJQvb9fgzdgbJZUTHsIaua8zgMZS7gL8kuC3iI49p7TTVjwFjIJIHfCPdJIDBWW85D2x3JiSVL728NPsgG/s1350/TotemLakeFreewayStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYDI_i3kqYsOT_AEn7sPqh8jYIEwQ2hv4PA0yjJPOQKjBkZvyGFuGiYPCzp6KYm9pSKKJOsFG-hYUjMNKIwwWLxTVwsnSD2RP_11wUaRJQvb9fgzdgbJZUTHsIaua8zgMZS7gL8kuC3iI49p7TTVjwFjIJIHfCPdJIDBWW85D2x3JiSVL728NPsgG/w640-h426/TotemLakeFreewayStation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totem Lake Freeway Station provides bus access for people walking, rolling and making transit connections. Active transportation and transit investments support transportation efficient land use strategies.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Another overarching method to limit transportation GHG emissions is to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels. This means adopting electric vehicles (EV), promoting use of green hydrogen and low-carbon fuels, and reducing the embodied emissions in transportation infrastructure. Increasing EV and alternative-fuel use requires additional policies and programs to reduce the cost of these fuels and vehicles and improve the charging and refueling networks. The state is working on a variety of projects and programs to make electric vehicles more accessible to all our residents through incentives, charging network improvements, electrifying ferries, and other strategies.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1j8Pxo03973xmwD6uwIt5O2wKBo_rAamx9x4jFdvnoWylNSCeiB8r8hYY2TUUeZFYHuEbkJ8FmIYd0hbKT4iEQ-1SMTlgKUDRoks2KxLUyez2wPpZq4dvgS4wYUA0cde9f6eLb_mvSWXScZqfIMMjuXbRARhH4harZ9HWa8goKo-cR6elamb0PcY/s1222/EV_Charging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1222" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1j8Pxo03973xmwD6uwIt5O2wKBo_rAamx9x4jFdvnoWylNSCeiB8r8hYY2TUUeZFYHuEbkJ8FmIYd0hbKT4iEQ-1SMTlgKUDRoks2KxLUyez2wPpZq4dvgS4wYUA0cde9f6eLb_mvSWXScZqfIMMjuXbRARhH4harZ9HWa8goKo-cR6elamb0PcY/w640-h472/EV_Charging.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An electric car being charged at a West Coast Electric Highway station in Skykomish. Transitioning to electric vehicles is an essential part of reducing emissions.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Incorporating public preferences</h4>
<p>Public engagement was a vital part of creating the HSP. Understanding how people use the highway system and how they envision its future allows us to make recommendations that serve residents all over the state.</p>
<p>The public preferred scenario, which is our recommendation, strikes a balance between reducing greenhouse gas emissions, keeping our highway system in a state of good repair, and allowing strategic expansion that focuses on moving people and goods safely and efficiently. This scenario will result in a 2.3 percent reduction when compared to our baseline. Across the state we were fortunate to hear a diverse range of perspectives. Most people supported prioritizing repairing our highway system and funding safety and efficiency strategies while still providing some funding to expand the highway system.</p>
<h4>Acting on climate change</h4>
<p>We are working to reduce GHG emissions through collaborations, policy guidance, administering grants, and overall planning for a transportation system that has low carbon impacts. Find more information on our efforts to address transportation GHG emissions <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/climate-change-transportation/reducing-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions">on our website</a>.</p>
<h4>Read and comment on the draft Highway System Plan</h4>
<p>The draft Highway System Plan is available for public comment, and we want to hear from you! Your comments help us make recommendations that best serve the diverse communities affected by transportation decisions. Visit the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/highway-system-plan">HSP website</a> to learn more, review the plan, and visit the <a href="https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/highway-system-plan/">online open house</a>. There will also be a link to join the virtual public meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 where you can hear more about the plan and provide direct feedback.</p>
<p>Public comments will be accepted through 5 p.m., Dec. 18.</p>Ryan Lanierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631041934419474402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-43195119905964036072023-11-21T12:28:00.000-08:002023-11-21T12:28:31.107-08:00Opening the next section of the North Spokane Corridor: full completion now in sight<p><em>By Joe McHale</em></p>
<p>Whether you’ve lived in Spokane your whole life, or just recently moved to the Lilac City, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard or perhaps uttered these eight words: “It will never be built in my lifetime.” Sometimes those eight words come in the form of a rhetorical eight-word question: “Will it ever be built in my lifetime?”</p>
<p>This pessimistic perspective regarding the North Spokane Corridor is understandable considering the idea was first conceived by the community in 1946, but it’s no longer warranted. Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new section, which was the first for the megaproject in 11 years, marked a huge milestone for the NSC that is now more than 70 percent constructed and on the fast track to completion.</p>
<p>Think of this milestone as the moment in which a stone is launched from a slingshot; the lead-up to the event is long and stretched out, but anticipation is building. Then, like a stone being hurled from an elastic band, a fast and furious acceleration occurs until a target is reached. With that in mind, let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at how we got to November 16, 2023, and where we are headed the next six years.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFL_fKgA-BusfDIBd8WU4Pf4_XCEmoK-X5ligV1D0273nOq2doScUvRTtcHDIoKyje4dzCPUL3c4eGke_HiV2gubA2zz1ha8zEZzEsdsbuE6QTCSNUBkGh7DTOJCiM6OM2vghx9I7hTquFluLYBMSKVRAjjR1Ak4N43eFW2B0gZ0bIIerYsvITP9WooQ/s1600/nsc-new-section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFL_fKgA-BusfDIBd8WU4Pf4_XCEmoK-X5ligV1D0273nOq2doScUvRTtcHDIoKyje4dzCPUL3c4eGke_HiV2gubA2zz1ha8zEZzEsdsbuE6QTCSNUBkGh7DTOJCiM6OM2vghx9I7hTquFluLYBMSKVRAjjR1Ak4N43eFW2B0gZ0bIIerYsvITP9WooQ/w640-h360/nsc-new-section.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new link of the North Spokane Corridor opened on November 16</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>How we got here</h4>
<p>The first plans for a north-south freeway in Spokane were adopted in 1958 with an estimated cost of $13 million. However, interstate freeways were prioritized over a north-south freeway and the project never gained traction.</p>
<p>In 1970, the Department of Highways (now WSDOT) released a “Corridor Study for North Spokane and North Suburban Area Freeway.” The recommended route was west of its current location, along Hamilton and Nevada streets.</p>
<p>An environmental statement was completed in 1972 but never approved and, in 1974, funding for a north-south freeway was cut from the state budget.</p>
<p>Between 1985 and 1988 the Spokane Regional Council identified a lack of regional facilities on the north side of Spokane as a major problem and requested a short and long-term “North Spokane Transportation Study.” Those studies were completed along with the recommendation to build a North Spokane Corridor along Market Street with an estimated cost of $400 million.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaATSrZFMcQxVhHJ3pt7juae80cyiiiZPxL3CJIk9SZ9YHhLeCtSf2g8aQUHnaa-lb8NGMuaN7BmizqpXa1nb_6aoWhqN8lY4zIDaTm0Hh_L58jPnzyq1TZzb5eAgH7lQK5Ef_ODQt-V2x-H09lxBJC1VRKpmMvGZX2FHRA3gUvjDNTEZIQtZ8bjkgrI/s1240/map-of-3-alt-corridor-options.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1240" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaATSrZFMcQxVhHJ3pt7juae80cyiiiZPxL3CJIk9SZ9YHhLeCtSf2g8aQUHnaa-lb8NGMuaN7BmizqpXa1nb_6aoWhqN8lY4zIDaTm0Hh_L58jPnzyq1TZzb5eAgH7lQK5Ef_ODQt-V2x-H09lxBJC1VRKpmMvGZX2FHRA3gUvjDNTEZIQtZ8bjkgrI/w640-h464/map-of-3-alt-corridor-options.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three alternative North Spokane Corridor options based on traffic studies in 1985</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>In 1997, the Final Environmental Impact Statement was approved, and the Federal Highway Administration allowed the design and build of the NSC to begin.</p>
<p>In 2000, the Washington State Legislature approved a supplemental biennial budget which paved the road to begin construction of the project.</p>
<p>One year later, in 2001, the NSC broke ground for the first project: Hawthorne Road to Farwell Road.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDL7SfWKfRJq418KHvsgl-WOx-ifEyvFLYXBe2UTI6reD9sDQHF2VMH9OF1iiNBWC4FrutkKhz-xgZdz_yChKrlkDg68AcIPA7ns1GIfU4RkQ0pfw_aAmiaod_HOk7WQZG0LX5lmhGsO0yNXNjbZ2tzX-ZjSGTMZjRiF99r0FvZcuoaVlL1v_NdFaB-U/s1563/groundbreaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1563" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDL7SfWKfRJq418KHvsgl-WOx-ifEyvFLYXBe2UTI6reD9sDQHF2VMH9OF1iiNBWC4FrutkKhz-xgZdz_yChKrlkDg68AcIPA7ns1GIfU4RkQ0pfw_aAmiaod_HOk7WQZG0LX5lmhGsO0yNXNjbZ2tzX-ZjSGTMZjRiF99r0FvZcuoaVlL1v_NdFaB-U/w640-h212/groundbreaking.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The community celebrated the first ground breaking of the North Spokane Corridor <br />program on Aug. 22, 2001.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Work continued with the first 3.5-mile drivable link opening in 2009 between Francis Avenue and Farwell Road. Three years later, in 2012, the entire north half of the NSC fully opened to traffic, completing the first 5.5 miles of road while the adjacent Children of the Sun Trail opened from Freya Street to the Wandermere interchange.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqm_ehoEi7H8sFFxG03_zcLOQyQEaUj0ZYChcSg9zHMrbeKQeIZ8bY47vYpgyRHGLTwAZzTg0vBp-pELeKaTsvI4KERhn4XcQXwIlPZyAzkzpCJ7MbGuXOvDwnu2J99G-1FYc6JogKp_mynbsG88nfXoAkguKHS_0SN9NZdbJKcIMdYr5YJ7ZSxbLstY/s1816/wandermere-nsc-francis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1816" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqm_ehoEi7H8sFFxG03_zcLOQyQEaUj0ZYChcSg9zHMrbeKQeIZ8bY47vYpgyRHGLTwAZzTg0vBp-pELeKaTsvI4KERhn4XcQXwIlPZyAzkzpCJ7MbGuXOvDwnu2J99G-1FYc6JogKp_mynbsG88nfXoAkguKHS_0SN9NZdbJKcIMdYr5YJ7ZSxbLstY/w640-h211/wandermere-nsc-francis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction of the Wanderemere Bridge in 2010 (left) and the NSC between <br />Francis Avenue and Farwell Road (right)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Okay, take a breather. That’s a lot to consume, but it is worth pausing momentarily to mention that funding was available intermittently for the first decade-plus of the corridor’s construction; It was never fully funded, and a significant part of the corridor was constructed with a Federal TIGER Grant. However, that all changed in 2015 when state legislators passed the Connecting Washington package, which fully funded the NSC for the first time in project history. That funding spread out in each two-year transportation budget through 2030.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsem81w14HpohI-JwNyLL3bhYdui1em3GukSikJKRSD9ch6MLGid4aboiHy1pf1K8Tc-t5-9aYuJnwlZsUCP3km-wG_r3xXvkI5l8_ih_P2UXvf_bfuI7I7035VSgnGfbBouOHpdn9p0p3JLukTwjGEFlQNqhGqUfgbY2P4xq8EGBsA6MGCXY3Qkm6Ec/s900/nsc-freya-interchange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsem81w14HpohI-JwNyLL3bhYdui1em3GukSikJKRSD9ch6MLGid4aboiHy1pf1K8Tc-t5-9aYuJnwlZsUCP3km-wG_r3xXvkI5l8_ih_P2UXvf_bfuI7I7035VSgnGfbBouOHpdn9p0p3JLukTwjGEFlQNqhGqUfgbY2P4xq8EGBsA6MGCXY3Qkm6Ec/w426-h640/nsc-freya-interchange.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction of the Freya interchange and roundabout</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Let’s continue.</p>
<p>Work progressed south of Francis Avenue in 2018 with the construction of a new segment between Columbia and Freya Streets. The following year, we broke ground on a key project that realigned the BNSF railroad tracks to make way for the NSC to be built to the Spokane River.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUdFer5DwzvQDAdrsT7hT7qA1eVLMeOAt-RQRA3e9FQ9U1tYFjqQRUTlNvWWjCuG-muWcbHXTepJik_w1x-_qWLbzNTqUi6qq1BfEdjn8x_kB7omCygqB_m7i1UBFXd545KGzuXFNgiGV1qgmJF2KDaLdTh5rlgPLP7GBs3QenASr6R-xJP5qhLwHnSE/s1200/nsc-bnsf-2nd-rr-realignment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUdFer5DwzvQDAdrsT7hT7qA1eVLMeOAt-RQRA3e9FQ9U1tYFjqQRUTlNvWWjCuG-muWcbHXTepJik_w1x-_qWLbzNTqUi6qq1BfEdjn8x_kB7omCygqB_m7i1UBFXd545KGzuXFNgiGV1qgmJF2KDaLdTh5rlgPLP7GBs3QenASr6R-xJP5qhLwHnSE/w640-h480/nsc-bnsf-2nd-rr-realignment.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews work through the winter to realign the BNSF railroad tracks in 2021</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>In 2020, construction continued south from Columbia Street to the Spokane River. The Wellesley interchange was included in this segment of the project, as was the extension of the Children of the Sun Trail. The first segment of the NSC south of the Spokane River near Spokane Community College got underway. The project known as the “Skyway” is also the first elevated section of the NSC to be constructed and was granted substantial completion as of November 1. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oBmfjtx5hoj1HrOUmh6lVXC3A1NMr6pZ8jw2jrxPONGgqlsWacE2JbKukvMgF6gyDJaRAjzojrU7ngyTyP0fyyrOQbPiVuYLQbqyMCDzzM2D946GF1RGjgNde_6BSfnfQfzLQ0zUfWHWGn5t3TJqElDVbI1G0T6IEB_NhNkUkrzTl1rXPRLqqfxts4/s1600/angle-view-viaduct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oBmfjtx5hoj1HrOUmh6lVXC3A1NMr6pZ8jw2jrxPONGgqlsWacE2JbKukvMgF6gyDJaRAjzojrU7ngyTyP0fyyrOQbPiVuYLQbqyMCDzzM2D946GF1RGjgNde_6BSfnfQfzLQ0zUfWHWGn5t3TJqElDVbI1G0T6IEB_NhNkUkrzTl1rXPRLqqfxts4/w640-h360/angle-view-viaduct.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Skyway project at SCC was completed on Nov. 1, 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Okay, the slingshot energy has reached max potential. There’s no going back now. </p>
<h4>Where we are going</h4>
<p>So, what’s next, and when will the NSC *deep breath in* finally be completed?</p>
<p>First, let’s talk about Thursday’s celebration of progress. The opening of the Wellesley interchange adds 1.5-miles of drivable pavement that connects to the Freya interchange to the north. Drivers can now get on and off the NSC at Wellesley Avenue (which also reopens after more than four years of construction), bringing the total section of drivable NSC to seven miles.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84KNk1Pef7y-L8yB-YE18lltSwu2aKOeTr0cu9LJ5nz5bOhrc6ej0bDw7Y3eq97xm8y4-2dEBH6MfLgtLsr8MLptW12Oi1p7-fVUS3PN8ESw6yMKxBM5b7otpK5Rif8zOTL9YqnrVxLc1JEA3Ci7OzResKOUEcxScDtxIPYBc2m7IDfv9syWD5txzhoo/s1350/nsc-ribbon-cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1350" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84KNk1Pef7y-L8yB-YE18lltSwu2aKOeTr0cu9LJ5nz5bOhrc6ej0bDw7Y3eq97xm8y4-2dEBH6MfLgtLsr8MLptW12Oi1p7-fVUS3PN8ESw6yMKxBM5b7otpK5Rif8zOTL9YqnrVxLc1JEA3Ci7OzResKOUEcxScDtxIPYBc2m7IDfv9syWD5txzhoo/w640-h426/nsc-ribbon-cutting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the completion of the newest section of the NSC earlier this month</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Now turn your attention south of Wellesley. The remainder of Spokane River to Columbia project is nearly complete, but the section from Wellesley to the river won’t be drivable for some time because, well, there is currently nowhere to go when you reach the banks of the river.</p>
<p>Speaking of the Spokane River, the project to cross it is already underway. Once complete, it may very well provide the most picturesque section of the NSC with its architecturally appealing twin bridges.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwGYqAxnV93p3dU9LfUGSK-Q5SeSPAl90xOvoxkWNkNa0iIg8XtcQrM7b67aQaz2ZC44oRN7grXYeQGa5N3WWdHGXEjyBcWmKOx_MqK72E1z2_9hRWJquNGLSCe42uAgUYg5qocNbF5DZrTyLMquzsreMLHFe-RoU9V6o-XYVVi2DSbtBj0f4MpTOI3Y/s1300/nsc-river-crossing-nw-concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1300" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwGYqAxnV93p3dU9LfUGSK-Q5SeSPAl90xOvoxkWNkNa0iIg8XtcQrM7b67aQaz2ZC44oRN7grXYeQGa5N3WWdHGXEjyBcWmKOx_MqK72E1z2_9hRWJquNGLSCe42uAgUYg5qocNbF5DZrTyLMquzsreMLHFe-RoU9V6o-XYVVi2DSbtBj0f4MpTOI3Y/w640-h340/nsc-river-crossing-nw-concept.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rendering of the NSC and Children of the Sun Trail crossing the Spokane River</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>As mentioned, the portion just south of the river at SCC is complete.</p>
<p>In 2024, the next two phases of the project between Sprague Avenue and the Spokane River will break ground.</p>
<p>Drumroll please.</p>
<p>Then in 2025, we will begin work on the final project before completion of the NSC: The connection to Interstate 90. Yes, we are only two years away from starting the final leg of the project. Light is indeed at the end of the tunnel.</p>
<p>The connection to I-90 will take five years to complete. It will require patience from the traveling public while it creates detours and lane closures. Once complete, it will ease the burden of routes like Division Street by allowing freight to flow freely from US 395 to I-90. In addition, moving freight off surface streets will decrease emissions and fuel consumption through direct routing and the reduction of congestion.</p>
<p>Beyond the freeway, the Children of the Sun Trail will continue south by connecting into the Ben Burr Trail, Centennial Trail and others. This also gives opportunity for us, the City of Spokane and Spokane Transit Authority to reimagine Division Street to include Bus Rapid Transit, giving more opportunity for alternative modes of transportation. All of which will coincide with the completion of the NSC.</p>
<p>So, will the NSC be built in your lifetime? If you’ve read this far, you might be convinced. If you’re still not, the thing we like to encourage people to do is to go see it with your own eyes. Drive by the towering twin bridges at SCC. Note the painted concrete stamps on the structure that pay homage to Spokane’s rich history of the river, wildlife, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Continue north across the river to Market Street and pay attention to the completed section of the corridor on your right. Then, enter the NSC at Wellesley Ave. and drive seven miles until it connects to US 395 in Wandermere.</p>
<p>The NSC is no longer mythical. It’s here and will be finished!</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-4961351393327008602023-11-21T08:05:00.000-08:002023-11-21T08:05:02.527-08:00Replacing the Elwha River Bridge<p><em>By Mark Krulish</em></p>
<p>After serving the Olympic Peninsula for almost 100 years, the beloved Elwha River Bridge has reached the end of its useful life.</p>
<p>A new bridge is a necessity. Over the past several years, the Elwha River has changed its course and flow. This had led to erosion around the bridge’s foundation. In 2016, an investigation into the foundation showed it sat on gravel instead of bedrock. This did not match what the original plans from 1926 showed. We installed large boulders to prevent more erosion.</p>
<h4>Building the new bridge</h4>
<p>Work to replace the bridge began in 2016. We held six community meetings between 2016 and 2018. Planning, designing and an environmental review then took place. Construction finally began on a new bridge over the Elwha River in April 2023.</p>
<p>For the first few months, our crews spent time preparing and clearing the site and building the piers. Over the past few weeks, you have probably noticed these new piers sticking out of the water. And on Saturday, Nov. 11, our crews finally began placing the girders for the new bridge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBZDjvkPs_D146ckuGPBzB5AEb4S_hS2z1V7tUFI4PZET_26BD5Yg08M34cDEWzuD-xxKlH-n91KvB9rf1jpBc4lXF-NW_PDML-wDx-DOeS5bnFiQEFTGi4iz9LYDF5_6nZl4IdARBiKbdD602wdv4XRk7ARDqq5uPTX__4ZfDbcrut0SZyRHZaGAhR8/s1200/girders-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBZDjvkPs_D146ckuGPBzB5AEb4S_hS2z1V7tUFI4PZET_26BD5Yg08M34cDEWzuD-xxKlH-n91KvB9rf1jpBc4lXF-NW_PDML-wDx-DOeS5bnFiQEFTGi4iz9LYDF5_6nZl4IdARBiKbdD602wdv4XRk7ARDqq5uPTX__4ZfDbcrut0SZyRHZaGAhR8/w640-h480/girders-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews work between the girders on the new bridge over the Elwha River</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>It’s an exciting time for this project. With the girders in place, you can begin to imagine what the bridge will look like once it’s complete.</p>
<h4>The next steps</h4>
<p>Now that girders are in place, we can move to the next part of the project. Crews will build out the bridge deck, build the abutment walls that attach on each side of the bridge where it meets the land and then tie in the bridge to the existing highway.</p>
<p>The tie-ins will require a 9-day closure of US 101 at the Elwha River Bridge. This is likely to happen in late spring of 2024. While the bridge is closed, travelers will detour using State Routes 112 and 113.</p>
<p>We expect the new Elwha River Bridge to open to traffic sometime this coming summer.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJzZ4WTWwVglfj1Q-MLUjbHptPMoKsk7ax2ciIe3IKjbtYKMW6yEZyGQqZIGenoikjJLW96F7JIt7e5uLj8oufHYK-Uj09mAHV7okeGwsjnpHR7eTqdIqfGScbort-Sccu-s4W17Tnt62GLEFgUMgNKVklRFacx0PSL2Ibf1o6dvg_X4kGfWFQIRuibs/s1600/girders-aerial-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJzZ4WTWwVglfj1Q-MLUjbHptPMoKsk7ax2ciIe3IKjbtYKMW6yEZyGQqZIGenoikjJLW96F7JIt7e5uLj8oufHYK-Uj09mAHV7okeGwsjnpHR7eTqdIqfGScbort-Sccu-s4W17Tnt62GLEFgUMgNKVklRFacx0PSL2Ibf1o6dvg_X4kGfWFQIRuibs/w640-h360/girders-aerial-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aerial view of the girders sitting on the piers that will form the new Elwha River Bridge </td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Monitoring the old bridge</h4>
<p>While the new bridge is being built, the old bridge is still in operation. That means we will continue to monitor it during the late fall, winter and early spring when rainfall is the heaviest.</p>
<p>Heavy rain can cause the river flow to pick up its pace, triggering high flood waters. A fast river can lead to the erosion of the bridge’s foundation. When those flood waters reach a certain level, we close the bridge to traffic as a safety precaution. Once flood waters recede, structural engineers will inspect the bridge for any sign of scour or erosion at the support structure. The last time we had to close the bridge was in November 2021.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFJpBHz5yef5Qw5h6IAHSwMUZKpsIn6V009O0pVgKJtnZhL9DNAXE3Hsbe-if8xAeFsr-P1Co9q_hkW4BoX9LbrrgUxV-2BZ4_XWn7W4KN-AP5jbRslQ0KFN930zejZFDc0hWimdRZPTtq2qqqHgxKtgQl-EwiywiFsllTn_ZVCQt-QGKby5wN-oKzQs/s1200/girders-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFJpBHz5yef5Qw5h6IAHSwMUZKpsIn6V009O0pVgKJtnZhL9DNAXE3Hsbe-if8xAeFsr-P1Co9q_hkW4BoX9LbrrgUxV-2BZ4_XWn7W4KN-AP5jbRslQ0KFN930zejZFDc0hWimdRZPTtq2qqqHgxKtgQl-EwiywiFsllTn_ZVCQt-QGKby5wN-oKzQs/w640-h480/girders-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girders were placed over the course of six mornings over the Elwha River west of Port Angeles</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Stay informed</h4>
<p>We will continue to share project information at the US 101 Elwha River Bridge project page, and on our social media channels. Real time travel information is available on our statewide travel map and on our app.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-75631306955241197932023-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:002023-11-21T07:42:01.558-08:00Washington state honors World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims <p><em>By Hannah Weinberger</em></p>
<p>For some of us, the story belongs to a friend. For others, a family member. Or maybe you're the one who will find this post difficult to read because you've had direct experience of traffic violence. You've experienced the impact as a driver struck you with a vehicle that outmasses you by at least a ton when you were just walking or biking somewhere. Or you were in a vehicle involved in a crash.</p>
<p>You're definitely not alone. Each day, more than 100 people are killed and thousands more injured on U.S. roads while simply going about their lives. These facts often get reduced to dots on a map or a bar chart. But every crash creates deep personal losses and alters lives forever—or ends them.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRBDFJLlBKR9cyF9gEFZdiI2dBaOLvD_4slO9qxE10qrekXhZbX9zleEaXbdJufK-_N8G8goElHRsFjtsXUJZb_6JOlYIkpKimmo0QyP7YGDAoCIw2EcLkxNSu3T4mkgUmCEkRQrLMqTDgjSH7VEPWoD0VUaOETYOcgiYZJCCUy0fcDAvUIH5ixL5/s1100/wdor1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1100" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRBDFJLlBKR9cyF9gEFZdiI2dBaOLvD_4slO9qxE10qrekXhZbX9zleEaXbdJufK-_N8G8goElHRsFjtsXUJZb_6JOlYIkpKimmo0QyP7YGDAoCIw2EcLkxNSu3T4mkgUmCEkRQrLMqTDgjSH7VEPWoD0VUaOETYOcgiYZJCCUy0fcDAvUIH5ixL5/w640-h434/wdor1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cyclist rides past a roadside memorial for crash victims along Preston-Fall City Road</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>In our state alone, traffic violence <a href="https://wsdot-my.sharepoint.com/personal/weinbha_wsdot_wa_gov/Documents/2022%20Saw%20Most%20Traffic%20Deaths%20on%20Washington%20Roads%20Since%201990%20-%20Washington%20Traffic%20Safety%20Commission">killed at least 745 people</a> in 2022 – the most people in a single year since 1990 – with particular threat to people walking, biking and rolling. In fact, the number of people who died because they were struck by a driver while walking or rolling has increased 141% since 2012 and reached a 30-year high in 2021. Many people are driving bigger and bigger vehicles, which research shows are more injurious to victims in crashes. Some streets and roads don't yet have places to walk or bike or get to a bus stop, but people nonetheless need to use them.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEIPHH-Sp9sq5e0DuJ_5fVPaCyI6vKM8dCSejKgzPir8Wpp8XJ7g1Gzwfa3FGyITnOYHQTdVe-R_vX5GQZjmBgJag9k1qb8TmTy7UHFxW6zDXwJOtQgopAcTflqO90Bd3D9N-3KVWEIIMVLMVLceSdhV57bPwzMYpwOtw-2DcDirX-SclIMdy8vaQ/s480/wdor-graph.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEIPHH-Sp9sq5e0DuJ_5fVPaCyI6vKM8dCSejKgzPir8Wpp8XJ7g1Gzwfa3FGyITnOYHQTdVe-R_vX5GQZjmBgJag9k1qb8TmTy7UHFxW6zDXwJOtQgopAcTflqO90Bd3D9N-3KVWEIIMVLMVLceSdhV57bPwzMYpwOtw-2DcDirX-SclIMdy8vaQ/s16000/wdor-graph.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Based on data from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Processing the sheer amount of preventable traffic death we face as a society is more than many people can handle. But for the organizers behind <a href="https://worlddayofremembrance.org/">World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,</a> it's something we can't allow ourselves to become numb to or accept as the cost of modern living. Not when we could do more.</p>
<p>World Day of Remembrance, held every year on the third Sunday of November for the past three decades, draws attention to the human toll of traffic violence and demands solutions that prevent it. Hundreds of ceremonies, performances and marches simultaneously honor the more than 50 million people killed and more than 100 million injured worldwide since the first person was killed in a car crash in 1869. Participants highlight how much more support victims and their families need as they recover or mourn, and the need for accountability and action to create safer roads and save lives.</p>
<p>Our communities regularly come out for World Day of Remembrance, and there were lots of <u>ways </u>to be part of this year's events. In 2023, at least three communities — Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma — created opportunities for people to mourn and demand action.</p>
<p>Our state not only rejects traffic violence as an inevitability, but through its <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/strategic-highway-safety-plan-target-zero">Target Zero initiative</a> (being updated now), aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2030. We were the first state in the nation to set <strong>zero </strong>as the only acceptable number for traffic deaths and serious injuries.</p>
<p>Our agency is recognized as a national leader in its efforts to create a transportation network that works comfortably for everyone, whether they drive, walk or roll. That expectation became a legal requirement for the agency's projects in 2022 through the legislature's Complete Streets mandate.</p>
<p>We also recently adopted the Safe System Approach, a holistic approach that incorporates safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe users, and post-crash care. Changing just one of these isn't enough. Like the "Swiss cheese" model of preventing the spread of disease, we need multiple layers of prevention. Addressing each of these aspects of transportation helps us improve safety for all road users.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0wX2Hhf__lNQD6uRq3nH4DpHckl-Oz2flhfla_WXCUgiGsNzdjaUP15NWD2R62nHTy_hoSsbkyqknblSbABDUBOwyxO50KaBpFom-Vxk68j2_467uurxji8sHEEgvzZb_dA5tWEnyCaHeeGq_5ydkN-5lzsP-Kbl9h4IPnAn-uQUSXT0awYG9SMm/s1100/wdor3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1100" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0wX2Hhf__lNQD6uRq3nH4DpHckl-Oz2flhfla_WXCUgiGsNzdjaUP15NWD2R62nHTy_hoSsbkyqknblSbABDUBOwyxO50KaBpFom-Vxk68j2_467uurxji8sHEEgvzZb_dA5tWEnyCaHeeGq_5ydkN-5lzsP-Kbl9h4IPnAn-uQUSXT0awYG9SMm/w640-h480/wdor3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In honor of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, members of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways posted signs around Seattle – like this one near Lake City – at locations where <br />their neighbors had been killed in car crashes.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>What your neighbors did to mark World Day of Remembrance</h4>
<ul>
<li>Tacoma residents <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1548110195931950/?ref=newsfeed">hosted a vigil</a> for victims likeMichael Weilert, a 13-year-old Parkland resident killed while crossing the street at a crosswalk with his bicycle.</li><li>Meanwhile in Seattle, members of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways placed physical reminders of our neighbors taken too soon, leaving orange silhouette cut-outs at locations where drivers killed people in car crashes.</li><li>Bolstered by a new traffic safety action plan, the City of Bellevue recognized WDoR for the first time, including with an official proclamation during a meeting of the City Council.</li>
</ul>
<p>In these and other places, people are gathering to say together, "Enough! We need action." As the WDoR organizers state on their site, "We do not want more victims to remember, we want to live our lives together."</p>Ryan Lanierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631041934419474402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-52267716601612732052023-11-20T09:19:00.000-08:002023-11-20T13:37:32.658-08:00I-5 HOV project in Pierce County aims to reduce bridge strikes on JBLM<p><em>By Cara Mitchell</em></p>
<p>It happened again. On November 3, a semi-truck got stuck on Pendleton Avenue under Interstate 5 in Pierce County. It's the fourth bridge strike this year at this location. Every time it happens, we hope that the damage is superficial because those bridge girders are holding up the lanes of I-5. So far, we've been lucky.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sV-cZ1oPembKPtVBLc4d1u-Nt3Id8TIcGRCc_ErfZmi-oasVrj887DTmCj-MNOe6QCMtUsh-GQuPEi-ydNUKdVXVmMgxjrfUeIkkSZCjcuI5EbSG3psNk9ma7DKXI9SPkG_L-rgSFB9G_P7wfVWo3e36ffmbpLIoR3s2bfI6b2kcV6Q30MsSTsCPOTU/s1286/bridge-damage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="1286" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sV-cZ1oPembKPtVBLc4d1u-Nt3Id8TIcGRCc_ErfZmi-oasVrj887DTmCj-MNOe6QCMtUsh-GQuPEi-ydNUKdVXVmMgxjrfUeIkkSZCjcuI5EbSG3psNk9ma7DKXI9SPkG_L-rgSFB9G_P7wfVWo3e36ffmbpLIoR3s2bfI6b2kcV6Q30MsSTsCPOTU/w640-h236/bridge-damage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A semi got stuck under I-5 on Pendleton Avenue on Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Nov. 3. This caused superficial damage to the bridge girders that support I-5.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Luck only goes so far, and we have an opportunity to help reduce bridge strikes at this location from repeatedly happening.</p>
<p>The first stage of work for <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-5-mounts-rd-steilacoom-dupont-rd-corridor-improvements">the I-5 Mounts Road to Steilacoom-DuPont Road Corridor Improvements</a> project is underway, and coincidently, Pendleton Avenue is where our contractor is focusing first. In addition to widening I-5 for HOV lanes, this project will increase the vertical clearance on Pendleton Avenue under I-5. The bridge, which is well marked as having low clearance, will rise from the current 12 feet, 4 inches, to well over 16 feet. This means trucks traveling on Pendleton Avenue will be less likely to hit the bridge girders that support I-5 once the project is finished. That will be a relief for all of us.</p>
<h4>Curious minds want to know…</h4>
<p>So how do you get a large semi un-stuck from under a bridge like that? On the most recent one, crews had to deflate the tires on the semi and disengage the airbags so the truck could be lowered and hauled away.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwvLWvcrPniI2eYWGXr2_8lwjT3tnZJ7YoFw_Zg2NfTF_90rDz05bn8aUtZZxovsvol6YK1CBRXvjtUZkhvNso8lI4iRxD2IswGgsbK_0_56vmP3VSB2eI2VBQHv3SDRh8OmCYxnMNfNvI0xdT1DajUaxM3GGfStmTYe7XzULDEOo9GQ_3I-1M7AKAJY/s599/stuck-semi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="599" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwvLWvcrPniI2eYWGXr2_8lwjT3tnZJ7YoFw_Zg2NfTF_90rDz05bn8aUtZZxovsvol6YK1CBRXvjtUZkhvNso8lI4iRxD2IswGgsbK_0_56vmP3VSB2eI2VBQHv3SDRh8OmCYxnMNfNvI0xdT1DajUaxM3GGfStmTYe7XzULDEOo9GQ_3I-1M7AKAJY/s16000/stuck-semi.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A semi got stuck on Pendleton Avenue under I-5 on Nov. 3.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Funding for big projects like this doesn't come around very often, so when it does, we try to incorporate practical improvements like this into the design.</p>
<h4>Work starting on northbound I-5</h4>
<p>In this <a href="https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/i-5-mounts-to-steilacoom-dupont-rd/construction/">first stage of construction</a>, northbound I-5 will be widened north of Steilacoom-DuPont Road. Part of that widening includes building a new northbound I-5 bridge over Pendleton Avenue. Traffic on I-5 will be shifted toward the median while crews work on the outside shoulders of the interstate. Three northbound lanes will be maintained during times when we typically see peak travel times. Travelers on Pendleton Avenue will see some overnight closures and alternating one-way traffic while this work is underway.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z9irH03ecURyVdRA_7SR_1OP82HMw1-6As7eRtG4wLfHx6bet1z5JL-e9yAi4vrIVtYS4ap9spmMM3gcD96mheDOERmI-ZK3lgNDLil-GdDLFPpyp7CiqCfvdczDiFhjAob0s_IceWfZUSaCqclPrlthdR4lfS7hsDx7aV3awGyvL2i2Ps6BIHsavM4/s2571/pendleton-aerial-i-5-shoulder-work.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="2571" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z9irH03ecURyVdRA_7SR_1OP82HMw1-6As7eRtG4wLfHx6bet1z5JL-e9yAi4vrIVtYS4ap9spmMM3gcD96mheDOERmI-ZK3lgNDLil-GdDLFPpyp7CiqCfvdczDiFhjAob0s_IceWfZUSaCqclPrlthdR4lfS7hsDx7aV3awGyvL2i2Ps6BIHsavM4/w640-h228/pendleton-aerial-i-5-shoulder-work.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pendleton Avenue under I-5 on JBLM is part of a work zone for the I-5 Mounts Road to Steilacoom-DuPont Road improvement project. Crews will soon begin work to expand northbound I-5 in the area.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<h4>Work to build new roundabout begins</h4>
<p>Crews have also started removing vegetation for the future Steilacoom-DuPont Road ramp connection to I-5 and the new roundabout, located in DuPont. As these photos below show, much of this work will happen away from live traffic.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpydtIxcLH1wuwA-NmNWGutJv5EkaKh414znIuvSYU-LcKFJgot47Q5vtgUkbOQdcIveSC6gwJqiBr2ejPwA0-9WvI_dEhpyvrVzCr7-K0wYmW8_Zd4eBd3AGx9voxEfn1YzcyrIh6491NmxZ8jNDHIvMEkd0sF2frR5shiL8zZrL5Cpk8WOPfBfnrTI8/s2488/new-119-intersection-dupont-rab.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="2488" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpydtIxcLH1wuwA-NmNWGutJv5EkaKh414znIuvSYU-LcKFJgot47Q5vtgUkbOQdcIveSC6gwJqiBr2ejPwA0-9WvI_dEhpyvrVzCr7-K0wYmW8_Zd4eBd3AGx9voxEfn1YzcyrIh6491NmxZ8jNDHIvMEkd0sF2frR5shiL8zZrL5Cpk8WOPfBfnrTI8/w640-h218/new-119-intersection-dupont-rab.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews recently cleared trees and brush at the new roundabout location behind Barksdale Station in DuPont.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The new ramp and roundabout that will connect drivers to I-5 is expected to open in 2026. We will share updated schedule information on the project webpage and in future blogs as the project progresses.</p>
<h4>Work zone safety</h4>
<p>Please stay alert in all work zones to help keep crews safe. Don't drive distracted and keep your speed in check. We've seen work zone collisions in the past delay the progress of construction projects. We can all work together to help keep this project on track by consistently practicing safe driving through work zones. Most importantly, all our crews want to make it home to their families at the end of their shifts. We appreciate your help on this important issue.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-33522686376871148532023-11-15T07:00:00.001-08:002023-11-16T15:45:39.782-08:00 Creating our recommendation for the Highway System Plan<p><em>By James Detke</em></p> <p>The Highway System Plan is used to make investment recommendations to the Legislature that will result in a future highway system that is sound, safe and smart. This plan used scenario planning to test how different funding levels would affect different outcomes.</p> <p>To create our final recommendation, we worked with transportation professionals, continually engaged communities across the state throughout the process, narrowed down our options, and combined all available information to create a recommendation that balances benefits and drawbacks.</p> <h4 style="text-align: left;">Developing funding scenarios</h4> <p>The project team worked closely with staff from each of the programs to project their future performance and understand how funding would affect performance. This helped determine which investments might lead to the most cost-effective benefits. Combining the best available data with knowledge from staff allowed us to get a picture of how investments would affect the outcome of highway performance for all modes of transportation.</p> <p>After providing information on nine of the highway programs, we asked public survey participants how they would distribute funding across these programs. This feedback resulted in eight different funding scenarios as well as the current spending scenario. These scenarios provided a starting point for how funding can be distributed.</p> <p>During the community engagement process, we learned that people naturally grouped the highway system programs into the three main categories shown below: highway repair, safety and efficiency, and highway expansion. We used these groupings to structure our funding scenarios.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreYbOUL0-DLxC5gwuaeI1L3ZKdo5AelB3RfUi-W5cBH6FtmkfQ1X6lG5nUTdt5tEDCchttkvKxm72SEBTORB48RldcOIPQKhBt1UV9H1SPm7iO9lcV7vgAFqXA_sghzfKBv5icBJl1Rbx74-CX_xlx9_GqpuXf-gXSjjHvwE0TtyCxllOmtX5dArvy_E/s1317/HSP-Programs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1317" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreYbOUL0-DLxC5gwuaeI1L3ZKdo5AelB3RfUi-W5cBH6FtmkfQ1X6lG5nUTdt5tEDCchttkvKxm72SEBTORB48RldcOIPQKhBt1UV9H1SPm7iO9lcV7vgAFqXA_sghzfKBv5icBJl1Rbx74-CX_xlx9_GqpuXf-gXSjjHvwE0TtyCxllOmtX5dArvy_E/w640-h438/HSP-Programs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Through further engagement, analysis, and discussions with transportation officials, we narrowed the wide range of scenarios down to three finalists. In surveys and outreach, the public overwhelmingly rejected the idea of closing or placing new limits on some bridges and highways to spend money on other highway programs. This means that our final three scenarios included adequate funding for preservation and maintenance programs before making other investments.</p> <h4 style="text-align: left;">Three scenarios for investing remaining funds</h4> <p>With all three scenarios including adequate funding for repair and funding court-mandated fish passage barrier correction, we explored how each scenario balanced the remaining funds between safety and efficiency strategies and highway expansion.</p> <p>The first scenario was based on the balance preferred by most members of the public during the engagement process: committing two-thirds of the remaining funding to improving the safety and efficiency of the existing system and one-third to highway expansion strategies. We compared this scenario to a stronger shift to safety and efficiency strategies and to a complete shift to safety and efficiency strategies.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGYRwVoY4SuYEiDfmv7Gc1WZv35XO6WF2q7IJFuGlESGfEbjua3tfeHsowuPrZg7ga3NWQoD7yrm_Mp1ZX19nly1w5C1LVqKNYUss37a34K4NKfyfXE4xGSGENlJ1Im7DAwh3IsqtLWbWC1a-f1pzp-k9h3UUIEFrvoj56id2FWeuMGo7FEsgwPwxb-8/s910/HSP-ScenarioComparisonSimple.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="910" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGYRwVoY4SuYEiDfmv7Gc1WZv35XO6WF2q7IJFuGlESGfEbjua3tfeHsowuPrZg7ga3NWQoD7yrm_Mp1ZX19nly1w5C1LVqKNYUss37a34K4NKfyfXE4xGSGENlJ1Im7DAwh3IsqtLWbWC1a-f1pzp-k9h3UUIEFrvoj56id2FWeuMGo7FEsgwPwxb-8/w400-h395/HSP-ScenarioComparisonSimple.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Our recommendation</h4>
<p>While no investment recommendation will satisfy everyone, one scenario stood out above the rest as the scenario that best represents the public interest. Our recommendation balances many competing interests and is based on public input, industry best practices, alignment with state and regional plans, and other factors. We recommend new revenue for state highways be dedicated first to adequately funding preservation and maintenance with remaining funds balanced between safety and efficiency strategies and highway expansion projects at a ratio of 2:1. This will assure that the highway system can continue to function while making smart investments in system improvements.</p> <p>Following this recommendation will result in a system that is sound, safe, and smart.</p> <ul><li>Sound : All state bridges and highways – critical to supporting our existing economy – will remain open and maintained in working condition.</li><li>Safe : This decreases serious injuries and saves lives by providing safer spaces for people who walk, bicycle, and roll, new guardrails and roundabouts, and intersection improvements. This also results in an $8.9 billion reduction in the costs to society from crashes over 20 years.</li><li>Smart : There will be fewer system gaps for people who walk, ride bikes, or roll; more travel options and transportation efficient communities; smoother and smarter transportation operations; improved fish passage and a healthier environment with fewer miles traveled and vehicle emissions; and equitable and inclusive policies, investments, and outcomes.</li></ul> <h4 style="text-align: left;">Let us know what you think about the draft Highway System Plan</h4> <p>The draft Highway System Plan is available for public comment, and we want to hear from you! Your comments help us make recommendations that best serve the diverse communities affected by transportation decisions. Visit the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/highway-system-plan">HSP website</a> to learn more, review the plan, and visit the <a href="https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/highway-system-plan/">online open house</a>. There will also be a link to join the virtual public meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 where you can hear more about the plan and provide direct feedback.</p> <p>Public comments will be accepted through 5 p.m., Dec. 18.</p>Brooke Carlsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731458656849229797noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-9600150076512775862023-09-26T12:04:00.001-07:002023-11-16T11:24:32.793-08:00Restoring safety to I-90 near Medical Lake one month after destructive Gray Fire<p><em>By Joe McHale</em></p>
<p>It's been just over a month since the Gray Fire burned more than 10,000 acres of property in the Medical, Silver and Four Lakes areas in eastern Washington. The devastating fire, which ignited on Aug. 18th, destroyed just about everything in its path. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate, hundreds lost their homes, and many are still counting their losses.</p>
<p>While it fails in comparison to what was destroyed by the Gray Fire, we have been in the process of replacing approximately 2,000 feet of burned guardrail along a roughly six-mile stretch of Interstate 90 in both directions.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7AeU0nLmFFu1CWqlba5PdsZ1XiIUnvEHgvggmmImaIaJH38XfgyB4GNws4A6qzMWM018ICv0qkh_Fg_bl5xzpfzPB10zOBGN4ADGvS64RmH1pWglTPL9KyoFEfXPRqj-E7ZbkLoE4kQa0zhSYL7gxuUdig76tQzQoIfmgHgcBS2W7_hOgOBW_ATSBOS/s6240/IMG_8922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crews install new guardrail" border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7AeU0nLmFFu1CWqlba5PdsZ1XiIUnvEHgvggmmImaIaJH38XfgyB4GNws4A6qzMWM018ICv0qkh_Fg_bl5xzpfzPB10zOBGN4ADGvS64RmH1pWglTPL9KyoFEfXPRqj-E7ZbkLoE4kQa0zhSYL7gxuUdig76tQzQoIfmgHgcBS2W7_hOgOBW_ATSBOS/w640-h426/IMG_8922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>Guardrail is, first and foremost, a safety barrier intended to shield a driver who has left the road. They can make roads safer and lessen the severity of crashes. So it was crucial for us to replace what was lost in the fire, much of which lined steep embankments and slopes.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizew1w6ZjIQ2w85L3hp2gcupCgC3irE1Vq81JFXHkPX1NHJJgFEZZIYSM79YepNBp0-ftq37b3mK7d_bU6Jtuv16_KedD5fFzYEUT1Em2hBO-mSqSgFfEjF6odM-bPNHdxeqMKKPzLe_5oFx7sHLzFP4Ig-vVTppa_mKZWtm9gnVsKycsaI_Y3XnRItynL/s6240/IMG_8910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crews installing new guardrails" border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizew1w6ZjIQ2w85L3hp2gcupCgC3irE1Vq81JFXHkPX1NHJJgFEZZIYSM79YepNBp0-ftq37b3mK7d_bU6Jtuv16_KedD5fFzYEUT1Em2hBO-mSqSgFfEjF6odM-bPNHdxeqMKKPzLe_5oFx7sHLzFP4Ig-vVTppa_mKZWtm9gnVsKycsaI_Y3XnRItynL/w640-h426/IMG_8910.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>The guardrail that burned in the fire appeared in sections along I-90 between milepost 263 and 270, or approximately between the west end of the State Route 902 interchange and east end of the SR 904 interchange (see below). Contractor Frank Gurney Inc. was awarded the emergency contract and crews began pulling burned posts and guardrail and replacing them the week of Sept. 11th.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqctcgUB9JieeZfLH025onKaaZwtAk3MgXBoX0XKKFDHdXa2HkgrvtSeASqBUgBsvgHUXcINfo7_pBhUkDKn6cnpegv7UQ5Nh2rM7VjeCcGZ_PMUT-dZcuaId_gF3BgX4R2t19v7GWCNHpCvfuGVPivPaIzp-GrgGGR5DOthK8GciDrdkUZKq9snfeNC/s5418/I90%20ER%20SafetyRestoration-1300.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map shows locations of fire damaged guardrail to be replaced" border="0" data-original-height="5418" data-original-width="5418" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AqctcgUB9JieeZfLH025onKaaZwtAk3MgXBoX0XKKFDHdXa2HkgrvtSeASqBUgBsvgHUXcINfo7_pBhUkDKn6cnpegv7UQ5Nh2rM7VjeCcGZ_PMUT-dZcuaId_gF3BgX4R2t19v7GWCNHpCvfuGVPivPaIzp-GrgGGR5DOthK8GciDrdkUZKq9snfeNC/w640-h640/I90%20ER%20SafetyRestoration-1300.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #303030; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.66; margin: 1rem 0px; max-width: 50rem; overflow-x: hidden;">Typically, guardrail repair is something our maintenance crews do. But engineer Travis Morrison said that in this case, hiring a contractor helped move the process along quickly.</p>
<p>"We don't have the added staff and the added material for our maintenance crews to just pull them away and repair this," he said. "So we brought (the contractor) in to quickly get this back up and in functioning order."</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcva4RyMEw-l--vmrpRmj8BwtCkgf4NcdJlJnptTSJXkGGdJgXoIoqTQ_kYVaNPyPQGxEZVbXFRSkN4qvmckhJdCJ6vYznqU1uNBERJFRV7K9lN3hNf5yShER6TYNTGHhNc6cRqI5qmMPvKCmD00B6WY_Wh4iQH_XqGwK7GlOwoWsXw0eyl5sTl6pNrwo/s6240/IMG_8879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crews working with machinery to replace guardrail." border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcva4RyMEw-l--vmrpRmj8BwtCkgf4NcdJlJnptTSJXkGGdJgXoIoqTQ_kYVaNPyPQGxEZVbXFRSkN4qvmckhJdCJ6vYznqU1uNBERJFRV7K9lN3hNf5yShER6TYNTGHhNc6cRqI5qmMPvKCmD00B6WY_Wh4iQH_XqGwK7GlOwoWsXw0eyl5sTl6pNrwo/w640-h426/IMG_8879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>In addition to making repairs to the guardrail on I-90, the emergency contract includes fencing, guide post, and sign replacement on SR 902 through Medical Lake. Fourteen signs were either partially or completely lost in the fire.</p>
<p>The work is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.</p>DeAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18140442383032217490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-76553860096092321772023-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:002023-11-16T10:17:22.025-08:00I-405 overpass replacement in Renton gaining momentum<p><em>By Tom Pearce</em></p>
<p>We took a big bite out of the project to replace the Lind Avenue overpass above southbound I-405 in Renton a couple of weeks ago, and now we're getting ready for the next part of the job.</p>
<p>The big bite – actually <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZRq69Mp8s">many, many bites</a>, were
made by demolition equipment that tore down the north span of the overpass. This
happened over the weekend of Nov. 4-5, when all lanes of the southbound freeway
were closed.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-XdeLiuykNGWSB8-6i-Cw_HLThH6WQ9byYJblCOKMge_O7OHJ9dPFvqysIUnATN-8LIZKRuhdDIjWCGQ_LMu6zdKcvmepXRxIMR1wGnEHvrQUalOKFwjJMu8XaV0sYxOr_w9ztEvEJrGPZzt2T__t1j5m8OCXEdmhtK0mvzcXZ2M_RYmHV5Bwbhc_ps/s3262/Demo_at_pier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1891" data-original-width="3262" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-XdeLiuykNGWSB8-6i-Cw_HLThH6WQ9byYJblCOKMge_O7OHJ9dPFvqysIUnATN-8LIZKRuhdDIjWCGQ_LMu6zdKcvmepXRxIMR1wGnEHvrQUalOKFwjJMu8XaV0sYxOr_w9ztEvEJrGPZzt2T__t1j5m8OCXEdmhtK0mvzcXZ2M_RYmHV5Bwbhc_ps/w640-h372/Demo_at_pier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took about eight hours to rip down the damaged north span of the I-405 Lind Avenue overpass in Renton.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Now we turn our attention to installing the new girders. This work will happen during overnight closures of the southbound lanes, starting at 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, through Friday morning, Dec. 7. The highway will reopen at 4:30 each morning.</p>
<p>The first part of <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/i-405-lind-ave-sw-bridge-span-replacement">the work</a>, which included restriping both directions of 405 to accommodate construction as well as demolition, went well despite one hiccup. Our first night of striping was rained out. But our contractor, Johansen Construction, squeezed in the striping work during the weekend, thus avoiding more weeknight closures.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNuOTUKnusx33Ibeam_aR9VqBeiaMD7qWWm3OTw9ymFKR5czM_ocsCYJA9SGMdHOnaNuPVE5nGGr1rwwY2XB-lQMWbo4zAUMXh-ONnADzFpJXE59Cw2K57IP8Sf01oeShTUgPVOolEem-96q9Ku01QR7g-2lr1WaqG6MEKnrYlzXgDFbg5ZTnRzkyI1o/s1200/I-405-SR-181-to-SR-167-detour1-1200.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1200" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNuOTUKnusx33Ibeam_aR9VqBeiaMD7qWWm3OTw9ymFKR5czM_ocsCYJA9SGMdHOnaNuPVE5nGGr1rwwY2XB-lQMWbo4zAUMXh-ONnADzFpJXE59Cw2K57IP8Sf01oeShTUgPVOolEem-96q9Ku01QR7g-2lr1WaqG6MEKnrYlzXgDFbg5ZTnRzkyI1o/w640-h252/I-405-SR-181-to-SR-167-detour1-1200.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During overnight closures on southbound I-405, people traveling will need to use the SR 167 interchange to continue toward Tukwila and SeaTac International Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>The next big process is installing the eight new concrete girders that will support the north span of the Lind Avenue overpass. We can't have traffic on the freeway while we're putting up girders, so we'll have about a week of overnight full closures. People traveling will detour via the SR 167 interchange, Rainier Avenue and Grady Way before rejoining southbound I-405 at Interurban Avenue.</p>
<p>Once the girders are in place, we'll begin rebuilding the overpass deck. Some lanes of southbound I-5 will be closed overnight for this work, but we won't have to close all the lanes, so people won't need to detour.</p>
<p>We expect work to finish in spring 2024 and restore a vital connection over I-405 for people in Renton and others who use this freeway.</p>
<h4>Girders were damaged by a backhoe</h4>
<p>This all started back in June 2022 when a backhoe being towed on a trailer hit five of the eight girders supporting the Lind overpass. It basically damaged every other girder, so it was more cost-effective to replace the overpass than remove some girders without damaging others.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnvadv95FgK8-7PND2Goy1I8nuPKeQUsI8_GAsLBJLohjTee6WSuEQGSfdfUkbSdKPu6jiFX0EWGlS5nm4zM3gqw-4UkN8cwj6ac6bWSJ6MOBQVd5wDEheq3qwgStbvwIdb5hvR34dg-sCP438xhG4IGhD9VrbtmEOQE3ohIZcT-08kQd8UVAgkjoXcI/s2826/All%20damaged%20girders.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="2826" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnvadv95FgK8-7PND2Goy1I8nuPKeQUsI8_GAsLBJLohjTee6WSuEQGSfdfUkbSdKPu6jiFX0EWGlS5nm4zM3gqw-4UkN8cwj6ac6bWSJ6MOBQVd5wDEheq3qwgStbvwIdb5hvR34dg-sCP438xhG4IGhD9VrbtmEOQE3ohIZcT-08kQd8UVAgkjoXcI/w640-h482/All%20damaged%20girders.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backhoe damaged the first, third, fifth, sixth and eighth girders of the southbound I-405 overpass.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>We are still working with the owner of the backhoe and their insurance to recover the costs to replace the overpass span.</p>
<p>A lot goes into replacing an overpass – design, hiring a contractor, getting materials, scheduling, etc. We appreciate the patience of the people who have had to use detours to get around this site, as well as the city of Renton, which has been a very helpful partner since this all starting in 2022.</p>
<p>It's taken a long time to get to this point, but we'll keep chewing away at this project into spring 2024 when we open the new overpass.</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-1818187076048274622023-11-14T12:22:00.000-08:002023-11-15T06:23:03.675-08:00Think operating a plow in winter is easy? Think again.<p><em>By April Leigh</em></p>
<p>Nope, they aren't <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@washingtonstatedot/video/7296985873755770154">Bentleys</a>. They're better than Bentleys. Take a trip with us behind the driver's seat during plow operator training on the west side of the state.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CO51pj0jyzGyLkTRdKlfFwQSaVfSI5Wp8Y970tca-OpeQ067smRRHBCny4nV2QwVtBF5kWBOzt121AFqNYt80a2sq7z-2yQJFNyZFH6qlw4IMjeABSmKOvK896kELmZb0MkBIE5XoPbel6TVBHxcEdlNA1iaSQ8eZl04jUC_33tSLhZi5gSX_19y80Vg/s1099/PlowBlog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A snowplow in the foreground and other heavy equipment vehicles in the background on a paved road in the forest" border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1099" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CO51pj0jyzGyLkTRdKlfFwQSaVfSI5Wp8Y970tca-OpeQ067smRRHBCny4nV2QwVtBF5kWBOzt121AFqNYt80a2sq7z-2yQJFNyZFH6qlw4IMjeABSmKOvK896kELmZb0MkBIE5XoPbel6TVBHxcEdlNA1iaSQ8eZl04jUC_33tSLhZi5gSX_19y80Vg/w640-h434/PlowBlog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<p>To do this, we'll need a bit of audience participation. Pretend you're a first-year maintenance worker this winter. You've completed all your training, got your commercial driver's license and know a ton about work zone safety and traffic control.</p>
<p>During the past few months, you've learned a lot about taking care of roads and bridges. But now the weather has turned and it's all about storms, snow and ice. You did well at the maintenance academy (yes, that's a thing), but it's not exactly what it will be in real life.</p>
<p>Then, like Rocky traveling to the snowcapped mountains of Russia before his title fight with Ivan Drago, you're sent to a little-known state highway outside of Hoquiam to learn from the best.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytBzz7JFj5ZG6YnqWM5MlZDzdqqUjsEEGmKVN4nW17lYZoxkexadMgxeQ88LTBJGA4hyphenhyphenrIU01nYWnafd4AoY8FR8rPb9gAVQvf8Ljh0iCGFEjjenVU8lvZdsmkTcARX6XhprQW6s0j8A96RCxig2SOJORAOxMOf1im1I_zT81mkU1cRBuTydIkCn2Vx0/s730/PlowBlog_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="552" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytBzz7JFj5ZG6YnqWM5MlZDzdqqUjsEEGmKVN4nW17lYZoxkexadMgxeQ88LTBJGA4hyphenhyphenrIU01nYWnafd4AoY8FR8rPb9gAVQvf8Ljh0iCGFEjjenVU8lvZdsmkTcARX6XhprQW6s0j8A96RCxig2SOJORAOxMOf1im1I_zT81mkU1cRBuTydIkCn2Vx0/w303-h400/PlowBlog_2.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyatgmd5oXlTpXi56hAqLwWPSdlldyJbw-xh4cdDNmsrs0wq1QQigzDws2iL6QegYMH50yihNcuA_3IFHa7xmx0tJ1MRLQb8-rotlk5qVZXvt7oRFL5NemoJ2PfCll2Z1mtr5RZEjhyphenhyphenE3WJI43_-PB2AF95P7kJPCzOfw1N08CvG1LERAI0ArwYBBK6DUM/s823/PlowBlog_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A hdnaful of people wearing safety orange reflective vests stand in a circle. There are large snowplows on either side of them. One person is talking and holding a clipboard." border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="823" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyatgmd5oXlTpXi56hAqLwWPSdlldyJbw-xh4cdDNmsrs0wq1QQigzDws2iL6QegYMH50yihNcuA_3IFHa7xmx0tJ1MRLQb8-rotlk5qVZXvt7oRFL5NemoJ2PfCll2Z1mtr5RZEjhyphenhyphenE3WJI43_-PB2AF95P7kJPCzOfw1N08CvG1LERAI0ArwYBBK6DUM/w640-h480/PlowBlog_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For three days every fall, we close the SR 109 Spur in Hoquiam to train new maintenance workers <br />with real trucks, on real roads, with real obstacles.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Your trainers are maintenance workers with decades of experience. They're weathered, they've seen things and they've carved out three challenging plow truck obstacle courses for you.</p>
<h4>Obstacle 1: Operate in snow and ice</h4>
<p>You know there's a lot that goes into putting sand and salt on the road. You can't just drop it and go.</p>
<ul>
<li>You need to know how fast to drive and how much to put down.</li>
<li>If you use too much, you'll need to refill the truck more often, making the task more expensive and time consuming.</li><li>Too little won't get the job done.</li><li>If you don't do it right, you can fling it to
the side of the road where it won't help drivers.</li>
</ul>
<p>Oh yeah, and while you're tracking all these things, you have to drive the truck – a multi-ton machine much larger than your average grocery getter. To make things even more challenging, new trucks and old trucks have different setups. Many trucks in our fleet vary in age.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHfsafmu7AxhVZdyKnx5gaj32w0-Rxyp17imtMafNQkCsSL5ZI5Ud7A74SLxWEt_9LSuPyvj7sozC2w2Q0E1xSXA7_h7yp1JHbmrV9rIMUXc_4c3DM4SQHMiLUBT8zICTIVcIwrgh1sd-ecGcPnUxcLEJ_axIPuJRdoHEdmGFrXGh6dlujaq0cw6TQRzb/s1061/PlowBlog_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A person sits in the cab of a snowplow. They are reaching across the dash to operate a computer screen." border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1061" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHfsafmu7AxhVZdyKnx5gaj32w0-Rxyp17imtMafNQkCsSL5ZI5Ud7A74SLxWEt_9LSuPyvj7sozC2w2Q0E1xSXA7_h7yp1JHbmrV9rIMUXc_4c3DM4SQHMiLUBT8zICTIVcIwrgh1sd-ecGcPnUxcLEJ_axIPuJRdoHEdmGFrXGh6dlujaq0cw6TQRzb/w640-h418/PlowBlog_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicihWBdg8qkWjit4M_fcrNanQOELN0gMWG84FzEDDxJoSB1DQQYKgjx0MlwGwv7jbEeBrc9e8zrm8VJ9U93xYU4m7L0VWA0EyqDvcyDBUMyDmjd-x_QSeBw27Ras-gYV0tsOfZ0bPqXDvn0wRfQ9KOBzB1nTbzYdasFfAm7HyEViiI4Y8ldju_KBS2qGyP/s859/PlowBlog_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A person sits in the driver seat of the snowplow. In the passenger seat, a trainer is talking and gesturing with his hands." border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="859" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicihWBdg8qkWjit4M_fcrNanQOELN0gMWG84FzEDDxJoSB1DQQYKgjx0MlwGwv7jbEeBrc9e8zrm8VJ9U93xYU4m7L0VWA0EyqDvcyDBUMyDmjd-x_QSeBw27Ras-gYV0tsOfZ0bPqXDvn0wRfQ9KOBzB1nTbzYdasFfAm7HyEViiI4Y8ldju_KBS2qGyP/w640-h429/PlowBlog_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trainers teach new maintenance workers how to operate newer trucks <br />with digital controls and older trucks with manual settings.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's a bit intimidating as your trainers take you on a tour of the equipment, but you muscle through. Eventually, they put you behind the wheel and give you the keys. They tell you to drive the narrow stretch of road while dropping sand and salt. You ask how many times, they give you a wry smile and answer like Mickey to Rocky: “As many times as it takes.”</p>
<p>After three passes, your trainers approve and you're on to the next course.</p>
<h4>Obstacle 2: Move large debris off the road</h4>
<p>As you approach, your trainers tell you winter in western Washington means more than snow and ice. Severe wind and rain bring downed trees and other debris that
block roads.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiQEGk4EBnahHAELLgBS3NQyR0GWYU1ejUvRmmFB_MI_6ItB44uueGjl1T0w7vD7ZryhhAbmsUfMy3SIq-ZGLUpl19_lpLJQm-RBWucaSAGgj4TedtZtGFYpOzWR20xMbM2mrx_cebaoyobxX7qgDEe1sv76WOV06CyzLZ94NgwLSX0lOo518HKVFkPIH/s1197/PlowBlog_5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="On a road in the forest, a snowplow is pushing fallen trees along the road." border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1197" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiQEGk4EBnahHAELLgBS3NQyR0GWYU1ejUvRmmFB_MI_6ItB44uueGjl1T0w7vD7ZryhhAbmsUfMy3SIq-ZGLUpl19_lpLJQm-RBWucaSAGgj4TedtZtGFYpOzWR20xMbM2mrx_cebaoyobxX7qgDEe1sv76WOV06CyzLZ94NgwLSX0lOo518HKVFkPIH/w640-h488/PlowBlog_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trainers use an excavator to place logs in the road for new maintenance workers <br />to push with a plow truck.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>You watch as one trainer places logs in the road while
another explains the size and types of debris you can expect to move with a plow truck after a storm. They teach you how to maneuver the plow on the front and how fast to go. You learn how to approach, when to turn around and what to do if the debris pile shifts while you're working. You're also taught how to spot electrical lines and who to contact if power is out in the area.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawT2at0Jh8fJrCQ0kSw7wI6jS7dND_CYvHBIxj8owEqYyEIRdeTuC8vKc7hOO1IBpdMXKMBvMZdjo8_EOwBd1H0MxYArjGH4oGpyQTQFyKI519TYBlAblk-Q0tGklIbKzAo5VGuCVgjfkpaEL5YKWzVHFAStuMZuS4tFro46frn6PYsLcEUDqSOxJBo0R/s1170/PlowBlog_6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="One person in an orange reflective vest speaks to four other people. They are standing on a road and there is a snowplow behind them." border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1170" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawT2at0Jh8fJrCQ0kSw7wI6jS7dND_CYvHBIxj8owEqYyEIRdeTuC8vKc7hOO1IBpdMXKMBvMZdjo8_EOwBd1H0MxYArjGH4oGpyQTQFyKI519TYBlAblk-Q0tGklIbKzAo5VGuCVgjfkpaEL5YKWzVHFAStuMZuS4tFro46frn6PYsLcEUDqSOxJBo0R/w640-h482/PlowBlog_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p>Trainers explain the dangers of downed power lines to new maintenance workers.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>After another thorough inspection of the truck, you get behind the wheel and are told to push several large logs off the road and into a nearby ditch. You know that if you push too fast or too hard you can damage the plow or the truck. Your first attempt does not go well. But after several tries you succeed.</p>
<p>Your trainer gives you a few more pointers about safety and the importance of using additional lights at night before sending you on to the next course.</p>
<h4>Obstacle 3: Manage a simulated slide</h4>
<p>You're feeling accomplished as you round the bend to your final challenge when you come upon a 5-foot-high pile of dirt in the road. Two tall skid loaders (pictured in the background below) with trainers sit on either side of the pile.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlpUjMDcA7nRxFy3OBls-KgFWNJLazi8IrVFGp-oJug3hsW-XgowLkq-fKQqua5sCu3LWbd1Knt1MFfhHH8xJjRbacne1mpG-ozc-txZmMmvinzqsP2HzP1S8twxbCF3UNTunqnm97eEgx_1Zy_YMEsXYnDxoMtn5N2tDIu5qC04G8_usID6GrhWaJ69B/s1430/PlowBlog_8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="On a road in the forest, there is a large pile of dirt. Behind the dirt, we see a skid loader on the road." border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1430" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlpUjMDcA7nRxFy3OBls-KgFWNJLazi8IrVFGp-oJug3hsW-XgowLkq-fKQqua5sCu3LWbd1Knt1MFfhHH8xJjRbacne1mpG-ozc-txZmMmvinzqsP2HzP1S8twxbCF3UNTunqnm97eEgx_1Zy_YMEsXYnDxoMtn5N2tDIu5qC04G8_usID6GrhWaJ69B/w640-h436/PlowBlog_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A skid loader is a tall tractor-like piece of equipment used to pick up heavy materials <br />like dirt and mud from roads.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>You increase your pace and get ready to learn all there is to know about driving a skid loader when another trainer stops you. You won't be learning a skid loader today. This is a simulation of a small slide and you will learn to move it off the road with a plow truck. But moving dirt and mud isn't the first step. You start with an inspection of the destroyed slope on the side of the road.</p>
<p>Your trainer explains how important it is for you to look at your surroundings first. Does it seem like the slope may slide again? If it's sagging at the edges or bulging in the center, you're told to close the road immediately and call for support. </p>
<p>Only after you're given an all clear can you work on the pile. But this is a slide, so you have to inspect that too. If there is fencing, electrical wire or other debris that could damage you or the truck you can't move it with a plow. That's where the skid loaders come in.</p>
<p>But for today, you are learning to move the debris-free mud and dirt with a plow. There's a bit more to it than you thought. This stuff is heavy and should only be moved a little at a time. Slow and steady gets farther with mud and dirt than trying to tackle it all at once. </p>
<p>After a few false starts and one sideways approach you get the hang of it and clear the road in less than five minutes.</p>
<p>Afterward, climbing down from the plow truck feeling accomplished, you're ready for whatever this winter will bring, with a bit more insight about why it takes time to clear a highway from slide debris, snow and ice or other obstacles. </p>
<p>The only final question you have is about when and where you get to try one of those skid loaders.</p>DeAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18140442383032217490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323104546148939812.post-54814052472744031342023-11-01T12:14:00.009-07:002023-11-02T08:12:20.925-07:00Financially constrained planning for the Highway System Plan<p><em>By James Detke</em></p>
<p>In our <a href="https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2023/10/highway-system-plan.html">previous post</a> on the Highway System Plan (HSP), we shared how we engaged with residents to make sure our highway funding recommendations met their needs. Before the HSP team developed funding scenarios for the public to engage with, we needed to know how much funding might be available for the highway system over the next 20 years. While nobody can accurately predict exactly what will happen in the future, we can create realistic reference points based on past events and trends. This is called financially constrained planning. It helps to make our recommendations more realistic.</p>
<p>To come up with likely funding levels over the next 20 years, we worked with a group of financial experts made up of our own employees and transportation planning partners from around the state. This Financial Technical Advisory Group used historic and current funding levels, along with recent revenue forecasts, to develop three possible funding levels to use in our scenario planning. The three possible funding levels were:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Current law funding</strong>: This baseline funding level assumes that there is no major change to current revenue, which would amount to $48.9 billion over 20 years.</li>
<li><strong>Future increases mirror past increases</strong>: This funding level assumes that two new funding packages will be added to the baseline funding level over the next 20 years. Based on previous funding packages, this funding level would be $69.3 billion over 20 years.</li>
<li><strong>Ambitious-but-reasonable</strong>: This funding level of $91 billion assumes that increases to new revenue will be greater than past revenue increases, but still within reason.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnu3Wx5OCwz1GUNwR8v2ceQ0zNeXWchhKE58Xh2ZPAb5QuTVsUE4L577z9Omeg_g4SbHdNtwpVElG2YFLACfuBALelljxnlihJZ6GdPrGBPac3nhAawzOGAyUGk5vt4i8dgmebb0dlaAUm_xNk8Rt34BCloldhq-rDyLCD2csZzxdZaO1eoD8RWsSJXuI/s1095/funding-table.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green table outlining different 20-year revenue scenarios. 20 year revenue is $48.9 billion for current law funding, $69.3 billion for future revenue increases mirror past increases, and $91 billion for ambitious but reasonable." border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1095" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnu3Wx5OCwz1GUNwR8v2ceQ0zNeXWchhKE58Xh2ZPAb5QuTVsUE4L577z9Omeg_g4SbHdNtwpVElG2YFLACfuBALelljxnlihJZ6GdPrGBPac3nhAawzOGAyUGk5vt4i8dgmebb0dlaAUm_xNk8Rt34BCloldhq-rDyLCD2csZzxdZaO1eoD8RWsSJXuI/w640-h176/funding-table.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funding scenarios over 20 years. Analysis for 2021-2040 is based on the Nov. 2020 forecast and current debt service. All revenues are in current dollar values, which is the year our state receives the revenue.</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>Fuel tax revenue is an important contributor to transportation funding. These taxes mean that people driving more means more funding, but more driving results in greater wear and tear on the roads. Due to trends of increasing fuel efficiency and increasing electric vehicle adoption, the total revenue from the fuel tax is decreasing, and all funding levels assumed that these trends would continue. Shifting towards lower emissions is necessary to meet state emissions limits but will reduce transportation revenue with current funding mechanisms.</p>
<p>Another key assumption in all scenarios was that we would not take on additional debt and would pay off debt that has already been issued for past projects. This is based on recommendations in the Washington Transportation Plan to develop more sustainable transportation funding mechanisms. Loans can be a useful tool for advancing projects forward, however, they end up costing taxpayers more in the long run.</p>
<p>The technical advisory group recommended that we use the Ambitious-but-reasonable funding level for developing our program funding scenarios. This recommendation was based upon the group’s professional judgement as well as funding proposals discussed in the 2022 legislative session, the Governor’s 2021 revenue proposal, federal funding packages, and other financial information.</p>
<p>For more about financially constrained scenario planning for the Highway System Plan, check out the Highway System Plan on <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/highway-system-plan">our website</a>.</p>
<h4>Creating scenarios within possible highway investment</h4>
<p>Once we had an estimate of how much funding could be available for the highway system plan over the next 20 years, the team could develop scenarios that explore how the money is distributed among the programs at our agency. In our analysis, we grouped programs into repair, safety and efficiency, and expansion based on how the public understands these programs. To learn more about how we developed scenarios and engaged with the community to come to a recommendation, catch our blog post on scenario planning that we’ll post toward the end of this month.</p>
<h4>Let us know what you think about the draft Highway System Plan</h4>
<p>The draft Highway System Plan is available for public comment, and we want to hear from you! Public comments will be accepted from Nov. 1 through 5 p.m., Dec. 18. Visit the <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/highway-system-plan">HSP website</a> to learn more, review the plan, and visit the <a href="https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/highway-system-plan/">online open house</a>. There will also be a link to join the virtual public meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 where you can hear more about the plan and provide direct feedback.</p>
<p>Your comments help us make recommendations that best serve the diverse communities affected by transportation decisions. You can provide comments on the website, by emailing <a href="mailto:hsp@wsdot.wa.gov">hsp@wsdot.wa.gov</a>, calling 360-704-6371, or sending mail to the address below.</p>
<p>WSDOT Multimodal Planning and Data Division<br />310 Maple Park Ave. SE<br />Olympia, WA 98504-7370</p>WSDOThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08358750966460971047noreply@blogger.com0