After five years of work, Federal Way staff recommended South 312th Street as the best solution to traffic relief in the city’s center.
The recommendation was made Monday. All parties involved in the City Center Access Project — City of Federal Way, Washington State Department of Transportation, King County, Federal Highway Administration and a stakeholder consensus team — agree the option will best provide public safety and move traffic away from the South 320th Street interchange, said Maryanne Zukowski, Federal Way senior traffic engineer and project manager.
“We have 100 percent consensus from our agency partners,” she said.
More public meetings will be held this month and next before the city council votes in March on whether to accept staff’s recommendation and move forward with the project. A minimum of four and a maximum of 17 properties could be affected by a new South 312th Street interchange across Interstate 5.
“There will definitely be home relocations in four or five of them,” Zukowski said.
Moving traffic, improving safety
In 2003, the city began discussing options for easing traffic downtown.
More than 40 options were narrowed to three solutions last year: Alternative One would put a second I-5 city center exit at South 312th Street. Alternative Two would put the access point at South 324th Street and Alternative Three would entail no action. The city held public meetings, sent mailers and established a stakeholder group to encourage public input.
Constructing the interchange is expected to move approximately 20,000 motorists per week away from the South 320th Street interchange — currently used by about 60,000 motorists per week, Zukowski said. It will improve traffic and pedestrian safety and relieve congestion. But, it has drawbacks.
“Yes, we will impact some people, but the benefits to many are huge,” Zukowski said.
Project hits home
Gary Anderson lives in unincorporated King County east of Interstate 5 at 3224 S. 312th St.
Anderson and some neighbors realize their homes could be the future site of a major roadway. Currently, South 312th Street ends at Steel Lake Park, then resumes on the east side of Interstate 5. Extending the street across the highway has long been part of the county and city’s comprehensive plans — regardless of whether the action takes place in connection with the City Center Access Project, Zukowski said.
Anderson purchased his property approximately 10 years ago and recently finished building his dream home there. He owns the neighboring lot, where he wishes to construct an adult family home. When he purchased the land, Anderson knew the city planned to extend South 312th Street eastward and that this would call for a raised roadway near the front of his home. He did not know the road would actually displace his family and other residents.
“If I knew this was coming, I would have been involved in this way back in 2005,” Anderson said. “I would have been way more involved.”
As part of the South 312th Street option, 32nd Avenue South, which runs north to south parallel of Interstate 5, would be extended northward to Military Road South and widened. South 312th Street would be extended eastward to Military Road South and widened. Anderson’s house currently sits where the continuation of South 312th Street and a retaining wall are planned.
Zukowski understands the project could be mind-boggling for a homeowner in peril.
“I have respect and sympathy for these property owners,” Zukowski said. “It’s still kind of scary for someone like Mr. Anderson.”
Waiting game
It is not known yet exactly which homes will be displaced, Zukowski said. A worst-case scenario design concept was just completed. In the next year, the plan will be refined and some design elements will be adjusted to achieve a cost benefit.
“Next year will (be spent) refining the design,” Zukowski said. “If something isn’t worth building, it comes out.”
More environmental studies will be completed as well. Until the design is finalized, Anderson and others must wait for the city’s buyout of their homes and properties. Citizens will be offered fair-market value for their possessions and a relocation assistance program will help with moving costs. This does little to ease Anderson’s worries.
“I do understand when they buy from me I’ll get full price,” he said. “I won’t get ripped off. It’s the time delay (that’s problematic).”
Selling is an option, though not one Anderson finds appealing. He doubts anyone would want a piece of property that is destined to become a thoroughfare.
“If I try to buy or sell real estate, I have to disclose (the future construction plans),” Anderson said. “Why would anybody buy it?”
Options for avoiding the displacement of homes near South 312th Street have been suggested. Anderson believes the entire project could be shifted northeast so South 312th Street crosses Interstate 5 at an angle. Cutting and filling of land on either side of the interstate could decrease the slope of the roadway as it descends across the freeway and down to meet 32nd Avenue South. This could eliminate the need for the retaining wall planned to replace Anderson’s home. Zukowski and the city’s hired design engineers do not think these options are feasible or safe for drivers, she said.
A long way to go
Construction could start as soon as 2010 and will be finished between 2015 and 2020, depending on funding. Approximate cost, not including right-of-way acquisitions and design costs, for the South 312th Street interchange are $283 million in 2008 dollars, Zukowski said. Before any buyouts take place, an access hearing will occur in January 2010. This will be the public’s last chance to contest the project legally.
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• View a schedule of upcoming public meetings at www.cityoffederalway.com/Page.aspx?page=1261.
• For more information contact Maryanne Zukowski at (253) 835-2707.
