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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2005-113 Interstate 90 ( I-90 ) Snoqualmie Pass ProjectRESOLUTION NO. R -2005-m A RESOLUTION of the Yakima City Council supporting the 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass Project as proposed by the Washington State Department of Transportation. WHEREAS, the State of Washington Department of Transportation has determined the vital need for improvements to 1-90 at Snoqualmie Pass to protect vehicles from reoccurring natural snow avalanche events that impede the traffic, both commercial and private vehicles; and WHEREAS, the Project was initiated to benefit all vehicle modes and uses; and WHEREAS, the City of Yakima perceives the need for the completion of this Project to enhance the transportation options in the local area; and WHEREAS, the duly elected members of the City Council are responsible to the citizens of Yakima for managing and implementing transportation options through the City corridor within the City of Yakima; and WHEREAS, those proposed improvements by the Washington State Department of Transportation are seen as a benefit to the citizens of the City of Yakima by providing safe and dependable transportation options that protect the motoring public from reoccurring avalanche events; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The City Council supports the improvements to 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass proposed by the Washington State Department of Transportation and affirms the importance of this project to the citizens of the City of Yakima. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 19th day of July, 2005. ATTEST: Koute.„ 5d City Clerk Paul P. George, Mayor =1:= Washington State TI/ Department of Transportation June 2005 South Central Region 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East CASCADE CONNECTION Interstate 90 is a critical east—west transportation link connecting Puget Sound's deep -water ports, large population centers, and varied retail/service businesses with the farmlands, diverse industries, and extensive outdoor recreational areas of Eastern Washington. The uninterrupted movement of cars, trucks, freight, and recreational vehicles across the Cascade Mountains and over Snoqualmie Pass is essential to our quality of life and the economic vitality of Washington State and the region. Why is the 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project important? Avalanches and Closures The Snoqualmie Pass summit on 1-90 (elevation 3,022 feet) is the only section of interstate highway in Washington State with an operational plan for routine closures. Due to road conditions, accidents, and avalanches, the pass was closed for an average of 120 hours per year between 1992 and 2004. Of those closures, 80 hours per year were related to avalanches. It is conservatively estimated that avalanche closures cost business and private travelers $17.5 million annually. Traffic Volumes 1-90 is the primary east—west route for Washington State. Each year 35 million tons of freight and 10 million vehicles (including 2 million semi -trucks and numerous recreational vehicles) travel over Snoqualmie Pass. The average traffic volumes on this interstate are increasing by 3.5% each year, and daily usage has climbed as high as 58,000 vehicles during peak travel periods. These peak volumes already exceed the amount of traffic 1-90 was designed to carry. Deteriorating Pavement The highway pavement on 1-90 is between 30 and 50 years old. It has exceeded its lifespan and is in a state of rapid deterioration. Between 1993 and 1996, 120,000 dowel bars were installed to reinforce the cement concrete pavement, which will extend the pavement life to approximately the year 2010. Some sections with extensive cracking were also overlaid with asphalt pavement in 1998. Due to extreme weather conditions and heavy usage, the asphalt pavement rapidly deteriorated and was replaced three years later at a cost of $1.5 million. As more cement and asphalt concrete pavement fails throughout the corridor, repeated overlay projects will be required. Increased frequency and lengths of overlay projects adds to traffic delays and taxpayer costs. Safety There are numerous sharp curves which limit sight distance throughout the corridor. Debris on the highway, or accidents, can create hazards that may not be seen in time for motorists to avoid. The Hyak to Easton section of 1-90 has an accident rate double that of other rural sections. Winter storm events amplify the hazards caused by the sight distance and alignment problems through this section. Unstable Slopes Several unstable slopes have been identified throughout the project, which deposit debris onto interstate 90. In the past, debris from these unstable slopes, ranging in size from small rocks to complete slope failures, have closed traffic lanes and caused serious accidents. Although slope failures are not a regular occurrence, their potential threat to public safety is significant and warrants solutions. Ecological Connectivity Snoqualmie Pass is within an area recognized as a critical connective Zink in the north/south movement of wildlife in the Cascade Range. Habitat diversity within the project area is high due to extreme differences in precipitation and elevation. Three distinct linkage zones have been identified within the project limits based on differences in biological communities. These communities include threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The existing highway acts as a barrier bisecting these zones. An adequate connection between habitats on either side of 1-90 is necessary for the continued health of these ecosystems, and the safety of both drivers and wildlife. 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East: Ecological Connectivity Options Several streams and documented wildlife crossing locations have been identified as Connectivity Enhancement Areas (CEA) for improving the connection between habitats that are divided by the highway. Combinations of the connectivity enhancements depicted in the following design visualizations are being evaluated at CEAs located throughout the corridor. Compared to the existing conditions, any of the three improvement options would significantly enhance ecological connectivity, and safety for drivers and wildlife in the area. • Large structures sized to span multiple wildlife pathways and wetlands would provide wide-open crossings with minimum obstructions and allow safe movement of wildlife between habitats. • Floodplains and channel migration zones would be enhanced to provide more natural conditions. if` TO wart/e Snoqualmie Pass Hyak Connectivity Enhancement Area (CEA) Wildlife Migration Corridors • Groups of moderately sized openings or wider structures spanning multiple pathways would provide greater opportunities for wildlife movement between habitats. • Floodplains and channel migration zones would be greatly improved over existing conditions. • Structures would be sized for hydraulic capacity, fish passage, and to improve opportunities for wildlife movement between habitats. • Floodplains and channel migration zones would be improved over existing conditions. Note: There are over 3000 possible combinations of connectivity improvements. Each CEA will be evaluated individually and then collectively to determine the preferred alternative. Easton Connectivity Enhancement Areas Multiple Design Options OSingle Design Options 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Easton Decisions Made Snoqualmie Pass Route Alternatives Preliminary Decisions 1. An interdisciplinary team (IDT) recommended that preliminary alternatives utilizing new routes/corridors, be eliminated from further consideration. Although elimination was based on multiple criteria, a predominant factor leading to rejection was that the creation of an additional transportation � corridor and abandonment of the existing highway would Hyak g create significantly greater impacts than expanding the existing t� route. 1 1 2. The IDT recommended further evaluation of the "common i , route," including four different alternatives along Keechelus 111 1 , Lake and solutions to improve connectivity throughout the % + remainder of the corridor. N • s • 3. Transit, rail line expansion, or other traffic management •� Existing alternatives have also been considered for development, but ♦ Snowshed do not adequately apply within the purpose and need of the a * project. ,• • •` •1 ♦41air ra mi NMI MI NM Legend Rampart Ridge Route Split Route Roaring Ridge Route Common Route Easton a tP 6� s 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Easton Proposed Improvements Evaluating Corridor Needs WSDOT has identified the portion of 1-90 between Hyak and Ellensburg as an area of concern due to the variety and severity of problems occurring along that stretch of highway. The 1-90 Project Team is evaluating the corridor between the summit at Snoqualmie Pass (Hyak) and the town of Easton to address the worst problems . Design Solutions Improvements within this 15 -mile corridor between Hyak and Easton will widen 1-90 to a six -lane facility, reduce avalanche closures and rockfall hazards, replace deteriorated pavement, straighten curves, lengthen truck climbing lanes, and enhance ecological connectivity for the safe passage of drivers and wildlife in the corridor. Snoqualmie Pass • Construct tunnels or bridges and other measures to eliminate avalanche closures along Keechelus Lake Hyak One of several design alternatives being considered along Keechelus Lake • Expand chain on/off areas to improve operations and increase safety Existing Snowshed •Widen median to provide areas for snow storage and storm water treatment and to improve safety by increasing sight distance • Reduce rock fall hazards by stabilizing slopes and expanding ditches • Replace deteriorating pavement with new pavement designed for a life of 40 years • Widen the road from 4 to 6 lanes • Straighten curves and increase design speed to improve safety and operation • Construct wildlife crossings at special emphasis areas • Replace bridges at interchanges to provide adequate vertical clearance N Easton • Lengthen truck climbing lanes to improve operations by providing greater acceleration length for trucks 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Hyak to Keechelus Dam The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package provides $387.7 million of funding toward design and construction of this project. Snoqualmie Pass Existing Chain -on Area Existing Chain -off Area Expanded Chain -off Area Expanded Chain -on Area Legend • Replace and widen 4 lanes of deteriorating pavement with 6 lanes of new pavement • Construct primary connectivity structure (bridge) at Gold Creek • Construct expanded crossing structures (small bridges or large culverts) at water/wildlife crossings • Expand chain-on/off areas to improve operations and increase safety • Removal of existing pavement EM • Milepost Marker • Construct bridges to reduce avalanche closures along Keechelus Lake • This section of the project is where the design alternatives differ most. • This scenario represents alternative two of the four alternatives detailed on the following page. All four alternatives are being equally considered in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. • Straighten curves and increase design speed to 70 mph to improve safety and operation • Construct tunnels to reduce avalanche closures. Straighten alignment and increase design speed to 70 mph to improve safety and operation • Reduce rockfall hazards by stabilizing slopes, realignment of roadway, and expanding ditches 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East: Keechelus Lake Alignment Alternatives In addition to the no -build alternative, a range of build alternatives are presented for evaluation in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Four alternative alignments are presented for the segment of roadway along Keechelus Lake. The primary differences between these alternatives are in the degree of protection from avalanche and rockfall, the amount of curvature in the road which affects the speed at which the road can safely be driven, and costs for construction, maintenance, and operations. Alternative 1 — Long Tunnels Alternative 2 — Short Tunnels Proposed Bridge Unstable Slope Existing Proposed Snowshed Bridge Proposed Bridge Features: •Twin three -lane tunnels, 1.9 miles long •AII 70+ mph curves Alternative 3 — Westbound Only Tunnel Slide Curve Features: •Twin three -lane tunnels, 0.6 miles long • Six -lane bridge to bypass avalanche chutes at snowshed •All 70 mph curves 1 ,hr fleet heltis Alternative 4 — Shoreline Alignment Existing Proposed Snowshed Bridge Features: • Single three -lane tunnel, 0.6 miles long • Six -lane bridge to bypass avalanche chutes at snowshed •Avalanche retention fence on Slide Curve • Mostly 70 mph curves and a few 65 mph curves Features: • Six -lane bridge to bypass avalanche chutes at snowshed •Avalanche retention fence on Slide Curve • Some 70 mph curves and some 60 mph curves 1996 • Hyak to Ellensburg Corridor Study — May 1996 Identification of problems, conceptual solutions, and early estimates for this 1-90 corridor 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East — Project Timeline •1997 • Planning Analysis for first section, Hyak to Easton — October 1997 Further study to determine the feasibility of initial solution concepts 998 Begin engineering investigations for Hyak to Easton Early engineering analysis and survey work (photogrammetry, bathymetry of Keechelus Lake, LIDAR terrain mapping, geotechnical investigations) • Early public meetings — April 1999 Hyak to Easton Route Feasibility Study — October 1999 Investigation of alternate corridor route possibilities • Begin Hyak to Easton environmental document — December 1999 Notice of Intent publication for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) • Public scoping meetings — February 2000 Begin environmental discipline studies (air, water, 01 noise, etc.) — July 2000 loll Study alternatives selected — July 2002 Project title changed to "1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East." Screening process completed. Remaining alternatives to be included in 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) ■ Additional refinement of study alternatives and supplemental analysis New Funding The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package provides $387.7 million to construct the first five miles, Hyak to Keechelus Dam. The main source for the package is a 9.5¢ increase in the gas tax, phased in over four years. " Washington's Future Just Got Better" MAKING EVERY DOLLAR COUNT. 2005 TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIPS PROJECT ■ DEIS circulation and comment period ir Hold DEIS public hearings — Summer 2005 Recommend Preferred Alternative late 2005 ■ Begin Preliminary Engineering of preferred alternative • Publish Final Environmental Impact Statement and Issue Record of Decision — Summer 2006 20076:04 Ite''' Contract Preparation Design and prepare contract plans and obtain Right of way and federal lands easement Public Hearing Dates/Locations 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. June 29 Ellensburg Inn, Ellensburg June 30 Summit Inn, Snoqualmie Pass July 7 South Lake Union Complex, Seattle 2008 2009 4'6 09 e�e''� Begin construction Hyak to Keechelus Dam — Spring 2011 Construction estimated to take a minimum of five years, depending on preferred alternative, funding allocation, and scheduling conditions For More Information: Randall Giles, PE, Project Manager WSDOT — South Central Region P.O. Box 12560 Yakima, WA 98909-2560 Phone: 1-888-535-0738 E-mail: I90Snoq@wsdot.wa.gov www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/190SnoqualmiePassEast/ Jpdated June 2005 BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. For Meeting of July 19, 2005 ITEM TITLE: Resolution of the Yakima City Council supporting the 1-90, Snoqualmie Pass Project by the Washington State Department of Transportation. SUBMITTED BY: K. Wendell Adams, City Engineer CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: K. Wendell Adams, 575-6111 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The 1-90, Snoqualmie Pass Project has recently been presented at several public hearings and at the Yakima City Council meeting on July 5, 2005. The City of Yakima desires to support the purpose and need for this project to enhance the transportation corridor between Seattle and the City of Yakima. This resolution encourages the surrounding areas of the State to promote this project as an important improvement necessary for the vitality of the Yakima area. Resolution X Ordinance Contract Other (Specify) Mail to: Funding Source: N/A APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Pass Resolution. Resolution adopted. RESOLUTION NO. R-2005-113 COUNCIL ACTION: