Cost Escalation Challenges I-90 Project
A recent study by Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) indicates that cost estimates for transportation projects across the state must be raised due to increases in the cost of materials like steel and concrete and fuel for equipment and trucks. New estimates for the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project are being developed. This may affect the shape of Phase I, which currently is scheduled to widen the freeway to six lanes between Hyak and Keechelus Dam. WSDOT and the governor will be reviewing the findings and will make recommendations for any changes deemed necessary later this year.
A major cost factor in the I-90 project is the engineering challenges along Lake Keechelus, especially the bridges proposed at the avalanche chute. Outside reviewers have suggested an increase in the upper range of the cost estimate due to the uncertainties in this section of the project. Brian White, Project Director, has assured the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition, that major wildlife crossing structures will be a part of whatever configuration is ultimately chosen for Phase I. This is because wildlife connectivity is a goal of the project and is an integral part of the preferred alternative announced in June.
The broad support for that design, including the endorsement of environmental organizations, will help to keep the project on schedule- with a construction start in 2010. Delays are one of the biggest factors in escalating costs of highway construction.
WSDOT is currently preparing a mitigation plan and a final EIS for the entire 15 mile project, which are due next year.
This project will substantially improve both driver safety and wildlife protection where the highway cuts through a major wildlife corridor in the heart of the Cascades. These bridges at a dozen key locations, together with fencing and retaining walls, will reduce vehicle collisions with larger animals, as well as accidents caused by drivers swerving to avoid small animals. These high quality wildlife passages complement the extensive habitat acquisition and restoration accomplished over the past decade in this corridor.
These wildlife bridges are a good investment, for a project that will last for 50 years. These connections are critical to keeping species’ populations healthy by providing pathways for feeding, breeding, juvenile dispersal, migration and adapting to habitat changes. This will allow more flexibility in managing the public and private forest lands in the Cascades, and provide a margin of safety for future listings of endangered species. Among the 70 terrestrial and aquatic species that will benefit from the wildlife crossings are elk, deer, cougar, bear, wolverine, pine marten, fox, numerous amphibians & reptiles and fish such as Kokanee salmon and endangered bull trout.
Contact: Washington DOT: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/snoqualmiepasseast. I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition: www.i90wildlifebridges.org
The photo accompanying this article shows a visualization of the proposed I-90 wildlife bridges over Gold Creek.
