2024-07-22-minutes-public-works-&-cds-study-session

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CHAPTER 2: RANGE OF ALTERNATIVES 2.7 Alternative 5: South Alternative 5 was proposed as a means to assess non -interstate enhancements south of the 1-90 corridor, aiming to meet the needs of the community. This alternative explores the possibility of upgrading the current roadway serving as an 1-90 bypass route to accommodate increased traffic volumes and speeds during times of congestion on 1-90. The upgraded corridor would enhance capacity and connectivity between Easton and Cie Elum, bypassing the 1-90 roadway. The proposed realignment would start at Exit 70 and reconnect to 1-90 at Exit 85. To achieve this, a total of four lanes (adding one new lane in each direction) would be incorporated into Lake Easton Road, Railroad Street, Nelson Siding Road, Westside Drive, and Lower Peoh Point Road. Some segments of the alignment might require the construction of entirely new roads, each featuring two lanes in each direction. These roadways would consist of two 12-foot lanes in each direction with 6-foot shoulders adjacent to each lane. Currently, existing roadways primarily feature one lane in each direction, with lanes approximately 12 feet wide. Figure 2-11 shows a conceptual cross-section for Alternative 5. Figure 2-12 presents the general alignment for the proposed alternative. Considerations • Provides an alternative route for Nelson and South Cie Elum. • Route is currently often used by travelers when 1-90 traffic is congested. • This route would require multiple bridge structures over streams and creeks, including one over the Yakima River. • The new bridge structure over the Yakima River would impact proposed restoration work happening along the Yakima River at Hanson Ponds. • This would create a new southern connection to the existing interchange at MP 85 to better serve access to South Cie Elum. • Provides a more efficient emergency route for the communities if a major failure occurs on Interstate 90. • Grading for a roadway would result in major land transformation to the existing area along the corridor. • This route moves through areas of existing rural residential developments and communities. • This volume of new roadway expansion in undisturbed areas near streams is a very high risk to culturally sensitive areas (fatal flaw element). • This alternative could provide economic growth opportunities if land use zoning changes were modified. • Impacts to ESA listed fish and terrestrial species as well as to aquatic resources. • Potential impacts to historic and cultural sites, as well as parks and recreational facilities. • Could impact wildlife connectivity. Figure 2-11 Alternative 5 — Conceptual Cross -Section VOLUME I: FEASIBILITY REPORT 1-90 Corridor - Easton to Cle Elum Feasibility Study 1 23