Project Summary
J-U-B ENGINEERS led a $21 million, multi-phase project extending SR397 to I-82 in rural eastern Washington, improving emergency and freight access. From 1995–2012, J-U-B handled planning, design, permitting, public outreach, and construction oversight. The 13.2-mile project included new and reconstructed roads, a BNSF overpass, and urban sections. Challenges like school proximity, rail alignment, and burrowing owl habitats were resolved through innovative design and stakeholder collaboration.
Project Background
J‑U‑B was the prime consultant on this multi‑phase $21 million project located in rural eastern Washington. Consisting of a mix of federal, state, and local funding, the project extended the previous termination of SR397 to an interchange with I-82. This new highway provides the rural community of Finley, Washington with secondary emergency access and the port industrial area with direct Interstate access for freight movement.
Project Scope and Timeline
Beginning in 1995 and continuing through completion in 2012, J‑U‑B provided all phases of studies, design, environmental permitting, right‑of‑way and public involvement.
Planning and Studies
Initial studies included a Needs Study and a Location Corridor Study which involved extensive public outreach and the use of Technical Advisory and Steering Committees. The Needs Study provided planning efforts and traffic analysis to establish baselines and comparisons of traffic uses for various corridor locations. The Location Study evaluated over 20 corridors before narrowing down to three routes, along with a “no‑build” scenario, which were carried forward through the NEPA process.
Environmental Coordination
Environmental studies were coordinated closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and Benton County in a process that met the needs of the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) and Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). This project was unique in that the environmental documentation was a combined NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA) and SEPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Design and Engineering
Design Engineering was coordinated with WSDOT and Benton County. This was unusual in the fact that the project owner was Benton County, but WSDOT would take ownership once the connection of Interstate 82 to the existing State Route 397 (Phase 3) was complete. Therefore, all parties understood the need to design to the higher design level of a State Highway.
Construction Details
Within the 13.2 miles of highway, the majority was new roadway (8.4 miles) across rural lands with a mixture of rolling/mountainous terrain. A portion of the east end of the project is in a residential area and constructed to urban standards per Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant requirements. 4.8 miles of highway consisted of realignment and reconstruction of existing County roads. This project included a bridge over a historically significant canal, a BNSF Railroad overpass, a major irrigation siphon, and multiple large culverts. Due to the magnitude of the project it had to be constructed in phases as funding became available. These phases included:
- Phase 1 (2004): Connected I‑82 to Olympia Street south of the Kennewick City limits.
- Phase 2 (2006): Extended the highway east to connect with Finley Road.
- Phase 3 (2008): Extended the highway northeast to SR397 and included a grade-separated overpass for three BNSF railroad tracks.
- Phase 4 (2012): Included the Piert Road Extension (County Road), a 1.8-mile connection between SR‑397 and Bowles Road, providing direct access to a heavy industrial area.
J‑U‑B provided right-of-way oversight and also assisted in construction administration throughout all phases. J‑U‑B’s expertise working with multiple agencies and stakeholders was critical to the success of this complex project.
Key Issues and Solutions
Route proximity to Finley School District
Finley School District and residents were concerned with one alignment’s proximity to a Finley Elementary School (within 0.25 miles) and potential chemical spills from trucks. Through the environmental process and public involvement, a subconsultant conducted air plume modeling.
Railroad Overpass Design Challenges
The alignment for the BNSF overpass had to take into account a skewed crossing with an industrial spur line, switch, and limited right-of-way. Traditional railroad crash walls could not fit the conditions.
Environmental – Burrowing Owls
Although not listed as endangered, Burrowing Owls were a species of concern. J-U-B’s Environmental Group developed a relocation plan accepted by Fish & Wildlife. During the winter prior to construction, video inspection of potential nest sites was conducted throughout the construction limits.
Results
- J-U-B modified the alignment to move it away from the elementary school and added signage to restrict through-truck traffic on local roads—addressing stakeholder concerns and resolving environmental issues.
- The BNSF overpass challenge was solved with a custom design combining abutments and crash walls that met railroad standards.
- No active Burrowing Owl nests were found, but J-U-B developed humane traps to block abandoned burrows and prevent occupancy. Fish & Wildlife later adopted this solution as a model for other regional projects.
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