The Reflector
Wednesday, May 27th 2009

Both the state House of Representatives and state Senate have approved a budget that includes the original timeline and funding for the widening of SR-502 from two to four lanes between Battle Ground and the new I-5 interchange.

The final budget was signed by Governor Christine Gregoire, who had said she wanted to delay construction on the project until 2018. Representatives Jamie Herrera and Ed Orcutt helped turn back Gregoire's recommendation and get this project back on track, said Senator Joseph Zarelli.

State legislators said they recognize growth demands have created unsafe driving conditions along the corridor.

"The voters of our area were promised this project would be financed by the most recent increase in the gas tax and I feel strongly we have to honor and fulfill the promises we made," said Zarelli.

Design work and environmental review on the project began in 2003. The right-of-way process will continue and construction is scheduled to begin in 2012.

The $88 million project is primarily funded by the Transportation Partnership Program, a revenue package legislature passed in 2005 to fund projects that make roads safer as well as ease choke points. Additional funding comes from the Nickel Gas Tax Increase, which was passed by legislators in 2003.

Battle Ground mayor Michael Ciraulo said the SR-502 widening project will significantly improve safety and mobility along the corridor and support future growth.

Additional information about the SR-502 widening project can be obtained at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr502/widening/.

An open hours and public hearing on the project, which will include a draft environmental impact statement, is scheduled for Tues., June 23, 4-7 p.m. at the Washington Department of Transportation's Orchards office, 10018 NE 51st St., Vancouver.