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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC201A Project Flyer 08.11.11CITY OF * * AUBURN WASHINGTON August 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 IM' Street SE Underpass Project 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. Several homes have been purchased and are scheduled for demolition in July - August of 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: jsweetin a~auburnwa.gov Website: http://www.aubumwa.gov/business/public works/capital_proj ects.asp Visualization of the Proposed `M' Street Undercrossing August 2011 BACKGROUND INFORMATION PROJECT FUNDING 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 Underpass project and completed a Pre-Design Study identifying potential impacts of the project and providing budget level costs. PROJECT VICINITY MAP AUBURN hIGll SCHOOL 5th T S W _ Project EL Location ~G CUO ~G -H ST SE q~YMCA ~s z ? sQi I Auburn, Washington 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 FINAL DESIGN The final 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 4thpM' Street SE will be depressed approximately 7 feet from its current grade, and the 6th/V' 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 is underway now. 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 detour routes on F Street SE and 4th Street SE will be signed.