HomeMy WebLinkAboutM St NE Public Handout 4_19_11
‘M’ Street SE Underpass Project Project Information Bulletin April 2011 This project is located in Auburn on ‘M’ Street SE between the intersections of 3rd and 8th Streets SE in the
vicinity of the SR 18 overpass, and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway’s Stampede Pass rail crossing. Vehicular traffic along “M” Street SE is projected to operate below
acceptable levels by the year 2030 at this location. The project will separate ‘M’ Street SE from the at-grade crossing by lowering ‘M’ Street under the rail line. The project will improve
traffic flow and safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes. PROJECT PURPOSE The primary purpose and benefits of the project include: • Alleviating existing and forecasted traffic congestion
• Improving safety and access for the traveling public • Increasing the region’s rail freight mobility through separation of train traffic from vehicular traffic PROJECT SCHEDULE Pre-Design
Study Completed in Dec. 2002 Design and Environmental 2008 to 2010 Right-of-Way Acquisition 2010 to 2011 Construction Late 2011 (Pending Funding) Ribbon Cutting Mid 2013 (Pending Funding)
RECENT PROGRESS The preliminary project design is complete and the City is working to prepare final construction documents. Property acquisition and relocation is underway. Several homes
have been purchased and are scheduled for demolition in 2011. WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION? For more information, please contact: General Project Information: Jacob Sweeting PE,
Project Engineer, City of Auburn Ph:253-804-5059, E-mail: jsweeting@auburnwa.gov Website: http://www.auburnwa.gov/business/public_works/capital_proj ects.asp Visualization of the Proposed
‘M’ Street Undercrossing
April 2011 BACKGROUND INFORMATION In 1996, when BNSF decided to re-open the Stampede Pass line, the City of Auburn began looking at the need for improvements to alleviate additional
congestion from the use of the rail line. As part of this effort, the City along with other agencies in Washington began to develop a regional policy to improve freight mobility. This
effort has become the Freight Action STrategy Corridor or ‘FAST’ Corridor. Through this partnership of the State, Federal, Local, Port and Railway jurisdictions, a number of significant
projects have received funding to help separate vehicle and freight traffic, thus, improving the region’s overall mobility and helping to maintain the region’s economy. The City of Auburn
has successfully completed two ‘FAST’ projects, on 3rd Street SW in downtown and on S 277th Street in the north end. In late 2002, after an evaluation of alternatives, the City selected
a preferred alignment for the M Street SE Grade Separation project and completed a Pre-Design Study identifying potential impacts of the project and providing budget level costs. PROJECT
VICINITY MAP AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL LES GOVE PARK YMCA TERMINAL PARK STATE HWY 18 'M' ST SE AUBURN WAY S (SR164) MAIN ST 4th ST SE Auburn-Black Diamond Road 'R' ST SE 'F' ST SE 5th ST SE
'M' ST NE 12TH ST SE BURLINGTON NORTHERN RR Project Location Auburn, Washington PROJECT FUNDING Funding for this project is expected from multiple sources; including federal, state,
and local. The current total project estimate is approximately $22.4 million. SCOPE OF THE PROJECT The current plan for the project includes the following: Construction of new underpass
for ‘M’ Street SE and the Rail tracks Widening of ‘M’ Street SE to allow for 2 lanes in both directions and for left turn movements Accommodation of non-motorized traffic including sidewalks
and bike lanes Stormwater detention and treatment facilities Landscaping and visual treatments to enhance the look and feel of the project PRELIMINARY DESIGN The preliminary design is
based on raising the BNSF Railroad tracks at ‘M’ Street approximately 4 feet. The raising of these tracks will reduce the depth that ‘M’ Street will need to be lowered to allow a minimum
clearance under the proposed railroad bridge. The road surface must be at least 16.5 feet below the railroad bridge to allow clearance for tall trucks on M Street. The intersection of
4th/‘M’ Street SE will be depressed approximately 7 feet from its current grade, and the 6th/’M” Street SE intersection will be depressed approximately 3 feet from its current grade.
This alternative minimizes the impacts to adjacent property owners significantly. CONSTRUCTION Demolition of acquired properties and relocation of power poles and underground gas lines
are anticipated in the summer/fall of 2011. Construction of the underpass is anticipated to begin in late 2011 or early 2012, depending on funding availability. The underpass construction
duration will be 18 to 24 months, depending on train traffic. A full closure of M Street is anticipated for at least 12 months during the project construction and detours will be signed.