Date:  Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Contact:
Neal Uhlmeyer, project engineer, 360-412-3420
WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2789

YELM – Getting around in Yelm during peak commute times gets easier this winter thanks to a new project that began this week on State Route 510.

City officials and local Legislators joined WSDOT and its contractor Scarsella Bros., Inc., at a groundbreaking event Monday, April 12 for the $5.5 million seven-month project that builds a new section of roadway off SR 510 between Mud Run Road and Cullens Road. The project also constructs the area’s first roundabout.

This project is the first of two phases and will help alleviate congestion and improve mobility through Yelm. To date, more than $35 million in 2005 Transportation Partnership and Federal Transportation Act (SAFETEA-LU) funding has been allocated for both phases of the SR 510 Yelm Loop. This amount includes the $5.5 million in construction costs for the first stage and right-of-way acquisition and design for both. Current estimates predict an additional $56 million is needed to build the second stage.

“This is a great day for motorists who use SR 510,” said Kevin Dayton, WSDOT region administrator, addressing the crowd at the groundbreaking. “This project is the product of a partnership that was developed between city officials, the 2nd Legislative District and WSDOT. It’s the first big step to ease congestion for the city.”

Right-of-way acquisition and design efforts continue for the second phase of this project, which continues the bypass roadway from Cullens Road to SR 507 near Bald Hills Road.

Motorists traveling on SR 510 won’t notice traffic impacts until near the end of construction. Project completion is scheduled for winter 2010.

For more information please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr510/yelmloop/.

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