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April 12, 2012

 

The Transportation Policy Board recommended approval of a Major Amendment to Transportation 2040.

 

The Major Amendment will add and remove projects, move projects among funding categories, note completions and update financial and other information on state and local projects. A significant part of the proposed changes incorporates the new strategies proposed on Interstate 5 in the vicinity of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The board welcomed Ron Landon, Program Manager at the Washington State Department of Transportation, for a presentation on the proposed improvements to the Lewis-McChord area. PSRC staff has reviewed the proposed changes and determined that they are consistent with adopted policy and regional procedures. Further, staff has determined that this amendment has no significant impact on the transportation plan's financial strategy. The board voted to recommend approval of the Major Amendment to the Executive Board and General Assembly, with two declining votes and one abstention.  Watch the discussion or view the presentation online at psrc.org.

 

For more information, contact Charlie Howard at 206-464-7122 or choward@psrc.org.

 

The Transportation Policy Board welcomed Craig Stone, Toll Division Director for the Washington State Department of Transportation, for a presentation on 520 Tolling.

 

Since tolling began at the end of 2011, WSDOT has been closely monitoring traffic patterns and transit usage on the bridge as well as on alternate routes, including Interstates 90, 405, and 5, as well as Highway 522.  WSDOT reports that on 520, transit ridership is up 10%, vanpool use is up, and travel times are improved in both directions. Overall 520 traffic volumes are down, but are slightly higher than what was forecast - and toll revenues are about what was expected and are trending up.  Traffic is up 5-10% on I-90 and 5% on SR 522. Traffic is within 2% of pre-tolling levels on I-5 and I-405. Watch the discussion or view the presentation online at psrc.org.

 

For more information, contact Charlie Howard at 206-464-7122 or choward@psrc.org.

 

Due to time constraints, the discussion on the 2014 Transportation 2040 Update was shortened to a quick briefing.

 

The Transportation 2040 Update is now underway. Primary topics for the update include Incorporating the project prioritization method currently in development, updating the financial plan, and maintenance and preservation of the existing transportation system. Presentations and more discussion on these items will occur at future meetings.

 

Find out more about the Transportation 2040 Update here.

 

Due to time constraints, the discussion on the Supplemental Budget and Work Program was shortened to a quick briefing.

 

PSRC is preparing a supplemental budget for the second half of its biennial work program, which runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013. The Operations Committee will prepare a recommended Supplemental Budget and Work Program for final consideration by the Executive Board during the month of April and action by the General Assembly in June. A copy of the Draft Supplemental Biennial Budget and Work Program is available here.

 

For more information, contact Diana Lauderbach at 206-464-5416 or dlauderbach@psrc.org.

 

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

  • Recommended approval of a routine amendment to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program for projects submitted by King County and WSDOT.
  • Received a quarterly status report on PSRC funded projects.