Senate transportation budget funds Mountain Highway intersection improvement, maintains Yelm bypass construction schedule

OLYMPIA – The state Senate today approved their version of the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget by a 39-10 vote. The budget includes funding for two projects of special interest to residents in east Thurston and south Pierce counties: improvements to the intersection of State Route 7 (Mountain Highway) and 304, and the accelerated construction schedule for the Yelm Bypass.

Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, explained that the Mountain Highway interchange is a public safety issue. “Traffic revision is particularly important since there’s no light of stop sign on the Mountain Highway between 260th and Morton,” Rasmussen said. “The intersection is critical to all traffic and especially emergency vehicles”

“People tend to disregard the yellow caution light that’s there now,” agreed Kevin Blank with South Pierce County Fire and Rescue. “We need better control so that we can get through the intersection quickly and safely.”

Funding in the supplemental budget for the Yelm Bypass was originally slated to be delayed, but a floor amendment by Rasmussen to restore an accelerated construction schedule was adopted and included in the final budget.

“The 510 bypass project is vital to the local economy and has a regional impact beyond Yelm’s borders,” said Yelm Mayor Ron Harding. “People will see reduced commute times and businesses will be more likely to locate here if there is an improved transportation system.”

“These are two-lane farm-to-market roads that handle thousands and thousands of cars and trucks daily,” Rasmussen said. “I’m absolutely delighted to know that Phase 1 can get started this spring.”

The Senate proposal and the House proposal will go to a conference committee to reconcile any differences before being sent to the Governor.

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