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Project Title & Location
US 12 - Frenchtown Vicinity to Walla Walla - Add Lanes
Walla Walla County
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Project Description
This project is phase six of eight phases that improve US 12 from SR 124 (Burbank) to Walla Walla. This approximately eight mile project will reconstruct US 12 from McDonald Road to Walla Walla as a four lane divided highway, with improved capacity and enhanced safety.
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Contractor/Consultant
David Evans and Associates prepared the Resource Reports. Landau and Associates is studying the springs near Pine Street.
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Recent Progress
WSDOT continues to progress in design of the Pine Street Interchange and roundabouts at the interchange. We have acquired 8 parcels and have offers on 15 other properties. Two of the four residential relocations are complete.
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Design Construction Impacts
Recent cost escalations have increased the construction amount of this project by approximately 22%. This $14 million dollar increase had been incorporated into WSDOT's 2007-2009 Budget request to the Governor. A majority of these increases can be attributed to rising fuel prices and asphalt oil used to make hot mix asphalt pavement.
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Environmental Impacts / Compliance
The NEPA and SEPA Documentation was complete the first of November. Negotiations for wetland mitigation and permitting are continuing.
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Impacts to Traffic
A majority of the project work will take place away from existing roadways. To keep traffic moving and increase safety at the Pine Street Intersection, WSDOT will construct a temporary detour which will allow traffic to maintain highway speeds.
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