PORT ANGELES — The future overpass across U.S. Highway 101 east of Port Angeles has spanned a funding gap, thanks to a boost from the federal government.
The U.S. Department of Transportation released $871,416 for the safety improvement project at the highway’s busy intersections at Deer Park Road and Buchanan Drive.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Freeland, announced Wednesday that the money was in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which targets community projects for the fiscal year.
“Improving U.S. 101 will put people to work today, help our commuters and keep businesses moving to sustain economic growth in the future,” Murray said.
The funding covers about 12 percent of the $7.5 million public works project and essentially puts the final piece on the puzzle.
Clallam County was counting on the transportation revenue to complete the long-awaited project.
“That’s a good boost,” said Craig Jacobs, public works director.
“It’s good news for us and, I think, for the citizens of Clallam County as well.”
County officials say an overpass is needed at Deer Park because the intersections are dangerous and the wait times are long. The problem will only get worse as the area grows, they say.
Built in 2010 or 2011
Depending on how quickly the county can resolve right-of-way issues, a six- to nine-month construction phase will take place either next year or in 2011, said Rich James, Clallam County transportation program manager.
County commissioners have discussed an overpass at Deer Park since 2001, the same year a pedestrian was killed on the highway there.
Thirty-four reported wrecks and four fatalities occurred in the area between 2001 and 2008.
Currently, motorists making left turns onto U.S. Highway 101 cross two lanes of 45 mph posted traffic. The proposed overpass would eliminate those left turns.
Westbound drivers leaving Deer Park Cinema will use the overpass and turn onto the Highway toward Port Angeles at Buchanan Road.
Eastbound drivers leaving C’est Si Bon restaurant or the Port Angeles Gun Club will take the overpass and turn toward Sequim at Deer Park Road.
Jacobs called the design “a compromise” between an expensive interchange with on and off ramps and doing nothing.
Besides the safety improvements, he said the overpass will improve the flow of commerce through the region.
David Evans and Associates Inc. is designing the span, which must be approved by the state Department of Transportation. The nationally known firm developed a full range of alternatives.
Preferred alternative
Based on cost savings and construction efficiencies, the county selected a preferred alternative that puts the span just east of Buchanan Road.
“That may change,” James said Wednesday, citing possible right-of-way issues.
Ross Tyler, Clallam County engineer, said construction of the overpass “will greatly reduce the chance for injury accidents in the Deer Park corridor where county residents have suffered fatality accidents in the past.”
“The project will also facilitate job growth as access to commercial areas on both sides of U.S. 101 will be enhanced,” Tyler added.
The bridge deck will provide bike and pedestrian access from the Olympic Discovery Trail to the theater and points beyond.
The project also includes upgrades to the rest area on the westbound side of the highway.
Funding for the project is coming from a variety of sources:
• The state Department of Transportation has shifted $3.4 million from other projects to the Deer Park overpass, a project considered by local and state officials to be a high priority.
• Special projects revenue from real estate excise tax is providing an additional $2 million for the overpass.
• Another $1 million is coming from the regional allocation of federal gas tax money.
The public works department brought all the players to the table.
“We try to partner with as many agencies as we can,” Jacobs explained.
Jacobs praised Murray for her efforts. County officials met with the senator at the proposed overpass site in 2007, he recalled.
“She is very good at supporting our projects on the Peninsula,” Jacobs said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
