HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWP273124 (8) Corridor . .
Congestion Relief S Bus Rapid Transit Projects
1
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90
Renton to Bellevue Project
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i
1
Scoping Report
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1
1 Washington State
Department of Transportation
June 2005
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Report iii
' 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................1-1
1.1 What is Scoping?.......................................................................................1-1
1.2 Purpose of this Document.........................................................................1-1
' 1.3 Background ...............................................................................................1-1
1.4 Renton to Bellevue Project Description.....................................................1-2
1.5 Organization of the Responses to Comments...........................................1-2
' 2.0 Comments Received........................................................................................2-1
2.1 Written Comments Received.....................................................................2-1
2.2 Comments Received at the Public Scoping Meeting...............................2-49
3.0 Responses to Comments................................................................................3-1
3.1 Responses to Written Comments..............................................................3-1
Marjorie Jorgensen................................................................................................3-1
George and Joan Fanning.....................................................................................3-1
IreneBotero...........................................................................................................3-2
' Jim Veitengruber....................................................................................................3-2
BernardJohnston ..................................................................................................3-2
AhmadWali Popel .................................................................................................3-3
BrianMcCarton......................................................................................................3-4
Sallyand Dave McCray.........................................................................................3-4
City of Renton Planning/Building/Public Works Department.................................3-5
Cityof Newcastle.................................................................................................3-12
' Kennydale Neighborhood Association.................................................................3-13
Transportation Choices Coalition.........................................................................3-14
ScottKaseburg ....................................................................................................3-15
-King County Office of Regional Transportation Planning....................................3-16
WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee ........................................3-17
StephenHarlan....................................................................................................3-17
JamesLoring .......................................................................................................3-17
' Allan Blackman....................................................................................................3-19
WilliamDamm......................................................................................................3-19
3.2 Comments Received at the Scoping Meeting .........................................3-20
HarryKodis..........................................................................................................3-20
4.0 Agency Scoping Meeting Minutes..................................................................4-1
4.1 Welcome and Meeting Objective (Christina Martinez) ..............................4-1
4.2 Introductions (Christina Martinez)..............................................................4-1
4.3 Selected Alternative Refinement (Roland Benito).....................................4-1
4.4 Design/Build (Roland Benito) ....................................................................4-2
' 4.5 Environmental Assessment(Keith McGowan)..........................................4-3
4.6 Cooperating Agencies (Christina Martinez)...............................................4-3
4.7 Permitting Approach (Tracey McKenzie)...................................................4-3
4.8 Discussion (Roland Benito).......................................................................4-3
SouthernProject Limits..........................................................................................4-4
1-405/SR 169..........................................................................................................4-4
North3rd Street.....................................................................................................4-5
' 1-405/Sunset Boulevard .........................................................................................4-5
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report i
North8th Street .....................................................................................................4-6 '
1-405/NE Park Drive...............................................................................................4-6
1-405/North 30th Street..........................................................................................4-6
1-405/NE 44th Street..............................................................................................4-7
SE76th Street........................................................................................................4-7
112thAvenue SE...................................................................................................4-8 '
1-405/Coal Creek Parkway.....................................................................................4-8
OtherQuestions:....................................................................................................4-8
4.9 Comment Letters.....................................................................................4-11
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005 ,
Scoping Report ii
1 Acronyms and Abbreviations Used in this Report
Acronymor Abbreviation Meaning r ii E f_ r Kim
h
' APE Area of Potential Effect
BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
BRT bus rapid transit
CSS Context-sensitive Solutions
DNR Department of Natural Resources
' DOT Department of Transportation
DR discipline report
EA environmental assessment
EB eastbound
' EIS Environmental Impact Statement
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact
FTA Federal Transit Administration
GIS Geographic Information System
GP general-purpose
' HOT high-occupancy toll
HOV high-occupancy vehicle
IAC Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
NB northbound
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
' NOI Notice of Intent
PSI Preliminary Site Investigation
PSRC Puget Sound Regional Council
RMC Renton Municipal Code
' ROD Record of Decision
SIB southbound
' SEPA State Environmental Policy Act
TDM transportation demand management
WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
' Scoping Report iii
1 .0 Introduction
1 .1 What is Sco in ? '
p 9
In preparing the environmental documents for the 1-405 project, the Washington State '
Department of Transportation (WSDOT) uses the term "scoping" to refer to the process
of defining the content, or scope, of the document. We use scoping to determine the
design refinements to be considered as well as the environmental issues and topics that '
need to be evaluated in the document. In summary, scoping includes identifying the
range of proposed actions, options, environmental elements and effects, and mitigation
measures to be analyzed in an environmental document. ,
1 .2 Purpose of this Document
The purpose of this report is to provide the public, tribes, federal, state, and local ,
agencies, and members of WSDOT with information that will help define the content, or
scope, of the assessment being prepared for the 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90 Renton to
Bellevue project, referred to in this report as the Renton to Bellevue project. A scoping '
meeting for tribes, federal, state, and local agencies was held during the daytime on
September 17, 2003. A scoping meeting for the public was also held on September 17,
2003, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. A legal notice for the public scoping meeting was
published two weeks prior to the meeting, stating that WSDOT would receive scoping ,
comments through October 17, 2003. In addition to the legal notice, WSDOT sent a
newsletter to residences and businesses within the project vicinity, informing them of the
scoping meeting and comment deadline. '
On October 14, 2003, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, an informational meeting was held for
the City of Renton staff to provide additional details regarding the proposed Renton to
Bellevue project, to assist City of Renton staff in identifying local concerns and issues. ,
WSDOT reviewed comments from the public and agencies. They also encouraged
individuals attending the public scoping meeting to provide written scoping comments on
forms provided at the meeting or in another format of their choice. WSDOT also spoke
with the public and recorded their comments. This report summarizes responses to both
written and oral public comments. WSDOT also responded orally to comments received ,
at the agency scoping meeting. The minutes of that meeting are included in this report.
1 .3 Background
WSDOT joined the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit '
Administration (FTA), Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit),
King County, and local governments to develop strategies to reduce traffic congestion ,
and improve mobility in the Interstate 405 (1-405) Corridor from Tukwila in the south to
Lynnwood in the north. The 1-405 Corridor Program Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS), hereafter referred to as the "programmatic EIS," documents those strategies. The
Final EIS and Record of Decision (ROD)were prepared in accordance with applicable '
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Washington State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and their implementing regulations. The Final EIS
noted that: "Subsequent NEPA and SEPA environmental analysis, documentation, and
review will enable decisions regarding site-specific, project-level details on alignments,
high-capacity transit technology, project effects, costs, and mitigation measures."
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005 ,
Scoping Report 1-1
' To advance the long-term implementation of the Selected Alternative (referred to as the
Master Plan), the 1-405 Team is tasked with conducting specific environmental analyses
' for component projects of the 1-405 Corridor Program. The 1-405 Team will document
these analyses and prepare environmental documentation for the specific corridor
projects. Information in the Final EIS and other corridor environmental documents will
' be referenced and incorporated into the project-level analysis to the maximum extent
possible. Decisions reached in the Final EIS and ROD will not be revisited.
In addition, the 1-405 team members will prepare documents that support regulatory
compliance with the Endangered Species Act and permitting requirements of other
regulatory agencies. They will also develop permit applications for an early action
environmental program as described in the 1-405 Corridor Environmental Program.
' These applications will feature a watershed-based approach, which emphasizes
implementation prior to construction, and promotes opportunities for partnering.
1 .4 Renton to Bellevue Project Description
The environmental review for the Renton to Bellevue Project incorporates, by reference,
the EIS and analyzes the project-specific effects on the environment not considered in
the Corridor EIS. Project-specific environmental review need not examine alternatives,
effects, and mitigation measures evaluated in the programmatic EIS, and decisions
made in the ROD.
The Renton to Bellevue Project extends approximately eight miles (milepost 3.7 to
milepost 11.99) from SR 169 to the northern on- and off-ramps of the 1-90 interchange.
The principal features of the Build Alternative are:
' Two newgeneral-purpose lanes on 1-405 in each direction from SR 169 through
• 9
the 1-90 interchange
• Realignment of 1-405 to bring it up to current freeway standards where feasible
• Construction of a new in-line bus rapid transit (BRT) station in the vicinity of
112th Avenue SE
• Construction of an HOV direct access ramp in Renton at N 8th Street (in
coordination with Sound Transit)
• Reconstruction, realignment, and reconfiguration of eight interchanges
' • Changes to local roadways related to interchange improvements and 1-405
widening
• Stormwater management to provide water quality treatment and discharge
' Context-sensitive solutions (CSS) to incorporate aesthetic features into the
project design.
' 1 .5 Organization of the Responses to Comments
Three types of comments were collected for this scoping report:
• Written comments submitted eider at the public scoping meeting or sent in
during the scoping period
• Verbal comments made to WSDOT at the public scoping meeting
1
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 1-2
• Questions or statements made by agency representatives at the agency scoping '
meeting.
In Section 2, written comments are coded with numbers to identify individual comments. '
For example, in the submittal from the individual identified as "Commenter 2,"we found
two different comments. We highlighted each of the comments with a vertical line on the ,
left margin of the page and added a code number for each comment (e.g., 2-1, 2-2).
In Section 3, we provided responses to each comment using the code numbers to link
the responses to the comments. Many of the comments received were similar, so rather
than repeating the same answer, we have referred the reader back to the earlier
response that addressed the same comment.
Section 4 presents the minutes from the daytime scoping meeting held for public ,
agencies on September 17, 2003. WSDOT presented the same project plans and
graphics used at the evening public scoping meeting to inform public agencies about the
project. The minutes from the agency scoping meeting include questions and comments
from the agencies and the responses provided by WSDOT.
1
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 1-3
2.0 Comments Received
' 2.1 Written Comments Received
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1
1
1
1
1
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 2-1
OCT-10-2003 10:08 FROM MR. INC. TO 2067695795-31670601 P.02105
AMW Washington State
T� Department of Transportation
Name(optional)
Organization
Add ress C 510
city,State,Zip e
Telephone Number
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input Into what gets studied In the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history.However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental Impacts were fully assessed within the project limits-1-405 from SPI69 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have in the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed In. you may also mail the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
2. Please describe any concerns you may have about otential environmental Impacts.
3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential Impacts? _-
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4. Do you have an mments about the proposed project?
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-3
OCT-10-2003 10:08 FROf1 PRR, iW. TO 2067685785-31670601 P.03/09
Washington State
Department of Transportation
r
Name(optional) 4
Organization.
Address
City,State,Zip
Telephone Number
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide Input into what gets studied in the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history.However,
entire construction wok can ctsrwere fully n,project level anysis is required to assessed within the confirm
project limit I-405fr m SRI6
environmental imps 9 to just north of.
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have In the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed In. you may also mail the form as long as we receive
it by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? —
2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental Impacts.
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3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential Impacts?
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4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project? —
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-4
OCT-10-2003 10:09 FROM PRP. Ili.. TO 2067685785-31670601 P.04/09
WWashington State
Department of Transportation
Name(optional) �°ii R U '
Organization
Address 1 t clew idiot
City,State,Zip It e^ N w Aq beS
Telephone Number `1t T
(please print)
Today's open house meeting Is an opportunity to provide input into what gets studied In the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history. However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits-1-405 from SR169 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have in the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed in. you may also mail the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-5
OCT-10-2003 10:09 FROM PRR, INC. TO 20676857B5-31670601 P.05i09
MWashington State
Department of Transportation
Name(optional) _?1;Organization
Address Address S7?�—!I I Avr 5
City,state,Zip �Fcc.za�uc Ll P a>000—ZCIo
Telephone Number s�—
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what gets studied in the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system In the state's history. However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits—I-405 from SR169 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have In the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed In. You may also mall the form as long as we receive
it by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
4'1 ( M LouC G'¢uEa A. _� lj—�n MJCM /JUISG Wlk IJ G4 ii aly
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Z. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental Impacts.
' 3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential impacts?
' 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project?
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-6
OCT-10-2003 10:09 FROM PRR, INC. TO 2067685785-31670601 P.06/09
.�,�/�� Washington State '
�I/ Department of Transportation
Name(optional)
Organization
Address
City,State,zip
Telephone Number ,
(please print)
Today's open house meeting Is an opportunity to provide input into what gets studied In the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history.However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis Is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits-1-405 from SRI69 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have In the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed In. You may also mail the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should bg studied and why? QxJ
2. Please scri e any conceras you may have about ntential envir nmentaltt�Al
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4.�0 o have other is ab t th p oposed pro efts
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-7
1
OCT-10-2003 10:09 FROM PRR, INC. TO 2067685785-31670601 P.e7i09
Washington State
Department of Transportation
' Name(optional)
Organization
Address
City,State,Zip
Telephone Number
(please print)
Today's open house meeting Is an opportunity to provide input into what gets studied in the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The 1-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system In the state's history.However,
before.construction work can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits-1-405 from SR169 to just north of.
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have in the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed in. you may also mall the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
6.1 ( X,��, i41416-2 ACV 0
2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental Impacts.
3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential impacts?
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' 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project?
64
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-8
OCT-10-2003 10:10 FROM PRR, INC. TO 2067685785-32670601 P.08i09
r ,
Washington State
0, Department of Transportation
Name(optional) A ,
Organization
Address
City,State,ZIP
Telephone Number
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide Input Into what gets studied In the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The I-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system In the state's history. However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental Impacts were fully assessed within the project limits—I-405 from SR169 to just north of,
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have In the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person
or at the welcome station where you signed In. You may also mail the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts.
7-1 I W ,
3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential impacts? '
7-2
4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project?
7-3 I 5y
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 '
Scoping Report 2-9
OC7-10-20e3 10:10 FROM MR, INC. TO 2067685785-33670601 P.09/09
Washington State
�, Department of Transportation
Name(optional) SaU Ti l'�oJe Y�1f L'r� _
Organization
Address t -
City,State,Zip Zaton Wp 45so5f�
Telephone Number 41S iti7.91tS
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide Input into what gets studied in the
Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North Renton Project.The I-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history.However,
before construction work can begin,project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits—I-405 from SRI69 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have in the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive
It by October 17,2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why? -
8-1 I 1' No,12 lOeaf C251s)Pnts SLR t19� Ond e « b� hUJr� ewer
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2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts.
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' 4. Do you have any other comments about the proposed project? —
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-10
I
RECEIVED
C171-Y OF 12EN-1:'ON I
OCT 3 I Z003 Planning�t�uildinglPubliclt'orks D panmenl
Jc c'r nc �r UrJUANGc 9'0mck Gregg%inamcrmuul'.E.,Administrator
October 29,200' ,
Christina Martinez.1-1105 Filvironnental I.ead '
Washingam Slate Department of 1'omspormIion
Urbcln Corridor.:Office
64'J1 Corson Avenue_South,N102-230
Se:title,11'r\ 0R10\-3445
SI711JEC"I': 1-4115 NORTH RENTON PRO.IECI'
I"N 1ROMs1 EN'1'AL ASSESSMENT SCOPI\G CO-NINICIN TS
Dear Ms_Marline'r,:
']'lie Cin'of Rcnton submits Ihc•following conlnlcnls lur consideration with ri•cards a,the Noah Renton
Friviromnlcfttal Assessmcnl Scoffing.
Impact to the City of Renton-s existing drinking water wells and crater,treatment facilities-
-fhe Cin'of Rcmon n relics o groumlwater Icrr over 901/6 of its water supply. (iroundw•atcr is withdrawn
River 9.1 from the Cedar aquifer it y xis existing drinking water supply w T ells. his aquifern has bee
(lesicnnicd a sole source aquifer by the U.S. EPA. The six well:,a 11tioriclaiion facility'.and a corrosion ,
cru mb facility are all lorded aloof:1-405 between file Cedar River and the imercectio)of 1-405:Ind Sk
169(sec attached as-bunts). These%•clls are capable of producing 1 S million gallons of water per day.
The conauuctinn of the proposed 1-405 N(nah Rcnlon Pw'icci as shown ,if file preliminary plan(sheet 1 of
tit(bated September 17, 200 will have a signilicam environmental impact to the C.ify s drinking %'cage
9-2 supply. In particular,file proposed northbound off-ramp from 1-10�to SR 169 will cut through the Cilv's
drinking wmet wells and water treatment facilities. This new alignment will require file rcloc:dion and
replaccnacnl t+I the Cilw's%ells and ircaumcnt thcililics. The relocation of file Lit.`s.wells and liacililic•
will require a signific:mf amottnl of cftyinmmenial studies-including a powmial Fiwironmcntal Impact
Statement.
If file re;ocation of the%'ells is considered,a 1iasihilily stud\'artd(Ictailcd hv(!rn-ge(+logic invcstig:tiol!
must be dime to determine not only il,the new wells call he constructed. but also if Ihcy can provide
reliable supply of water mecum_ state an(1 federal drinking water quality slaml:rds. Additional water
9-3 tr'caunenl facilities(ix.:ncw'water filtration plant)may he required to comply with current wafer qualilx.
standards adopted by the Deparinagnl of Health. Purchase•or condenmudion of properties includims City
parks will he needed for the new wells and facilifics. Test'cells must he dug:md Inunp lested In ensure
adequale yield. -I'hc Dcpartrment of Icrdo y may not allow the new w'clls to be dug near life Cedar Riwci ,
due to potential impacts to instream flow. 'Transfer of water rights will need u,:e approved by licubog'.
The Department of Ecology and the Ql tick leshool Iribc can require flew nlifigmion measures if the test
w'c11s show:m impact to river flows durini,pumping. The ne%'-ells sold water Ircalnicllt facilities must
be consracied and be operational lit several years to ensure a r'cliahle supply bcit,rc life existing w'clls
call be abandoned. This entire process may lake up to left years or more.
1055 South 61adv Way-Rcnlon.Washington 9SO 5 R E N T O N\ ,
AHl.All OF TIII: CUltVL
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 '
Scoping Report 2-11
' I-4U5 North Renton Project
(l clobc•r 27.200;
Page 2
'
94
'I'lte limited program-level Cloundwatel:Illaly5}1 shown in section]3.5.2.2 Water Resources�Cnt,undTva[er
of the Projeel NI-_PA/SEl'A Preliminary Final FIS and Final Preliminary Section 4(1) Fvalualioft dates]
M n
March 2002. including file ref rcced study 1-405 Corridor Proaram Craft Grnundwalcr Resources
Bxpmise Report by CI'12;\'I I lilt,200 11).dons not provide suflicicnt information to dlctc•rnuine the impact
of the.1-405 North Kenton l+rojecl on the(lurullity and duality of groundwater to tits•Cilk's wells.
The impact to water quality and Tooter iluaututy Drum ci+nstnncuon ol'suvctureS"Cross the Well itCId nulst
IV Ihoroughh'Studied and evaluated. The c'+mstruction ol'a fly-over ramp within tile sanitary control arc;:,
9-5 one hundred feel radius. will put file Cily Tymcr supply at risk for contamination and violates the
provisions in file WAC 24e-290-1",5 on source watcr protection. The construction ofsuppcnt pilings may
affect file llow of Water to file wells. Any dcCrcase in file gtantity of water produced by the-CIIs or any
degradation of'well water quality r"ithing,from the construction and operation of the 1-405 improvements
must be inycstivaied and rernediawd m WSDOT's expense. Remediation may include the construction of
rc{:laccntcot wcdl(s).
9-6 Chemicals used for the construction of the support sructtres could contaminate the water supply.
Ade•quatc vertical cicmancc.at Icasl 50 feet above the existing well building rouls.must he provided fir'
9-7 access by %vcll drilling rigs. so the wells can be redeveloped in the flnuur. Access and cleanmcc lot
crane's must be provided to remove (lie pumps and columns fig maintenance. Access for chemical
delivery trucks must be maintained.
Surf-we\\rater Nianaccnlc•nt Standards I Renton Municipal Co(Ic R\1C 4-6-0 0 2 and I):
fhc following are prohibit"] in Zone I of file C'ity's Aquiicr Protection Area (AP:\):
9-8 I.liotIllmlion. relent ion/delcnn do ponds. infiltration. and drainage (ditches and channels. New
pipes shall nice[ pipeline specifications in 4-1-050S. Impervious surlaccs shall be provided for
areas subject to vehicular use it slolgc of ClICnliCals. DiSehaugC ol'ru11017171*0111 more than one
ogre of inupe,A-ious surlacc ma)•require installation of a welvault I.5 times the usual size.
Surfacc.rater ranofTduring construction activities and operation phases of the project must not
be allowed w infiltrate in Zone 1,the one-veal capture zone,of the City s aquifer protection area
1 (APA). Runoff should be collected in lined detention ponds. treated. and diverted to surfiace
water. Adequate dctcntion volume should be provided to contain a hazardous material spill until
it can I)C removed Front[he pond.
9.9 Iliricli a o% - the Ccd:r hirer: No bridge suppons arc it) he installed in the riverbed to prevent
contlronlisr of the silt sell in the ricer.
9-10 I Construction Activity Standards(Rl\•1C 4-4-01007l: Sland:n&slctll he followed if.during construction.
mart•t}u:n -n 20 "]Ions o1 hazardous nuter'ials will he stored on site or vehicles will be f ucled on site.
1 9.11 I Pill Source Statement(IZ\1C 4-4.0601 41 A till sourer statement is required if more than 50 cubic yards
of fill nmlcnal will be imported I",lite project site.
.� 11'J'.ir l.•:Tti`.i:.mt..s�.nM VAP..Tan..:4;i�1•..i.irra�.'. �...�,.na.�.+n.Ki:+l\'�nOt:.-...:M:men.:F::uar...r:l rcn..i.n-J......
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-12
I-•IOj North Renton Project I
October 27.200
Page
PARKS
Ct•dar River Park
I. ])tic to the cxistinc active• recreation uses including lilt out(Inor aquatic ftcilily and sunbathing aicit
9-12 and soccer IicIJ, thery shag be nu shade extending more than W soullmest fr(nn the existing
northeast park properly line along the\laple\Nalle-I Ili hwsv(line drawn parallel to the cxistin,;Park ,
properly line). Any sha(Ir in the park arc;+will need to he mitigated. In addition.any shade exlelldi'T
into Ilse aquatic facility'/sunbathing areal and iic•id area will need to be mitigated I,\ also taking into
account thin loss of revenue from a dcc•rcnsc-in facility use Caused by the shade.
9-13 I 2. I)tte to the existing active recreation Ices. includinL an outdoor aquatic facility/sunbathing are:'and
.(weer field.noise Impacts will)cell to he titigated with a sound barrier.
>. ;Additional information regarding the elevation o1'tile proposal ramp system is neccs.a n•in order it,
9-14 I (ietcrulinc potential ad(litional impact.to the wale slide amenities. It appears the slides may be at the '
same elevation as the ramps necessurting an increase in noise and air quality)litigation.
9 15 I `t L.us:of usable parkland and air space will nccd to be replaced in kind within the Cedar River Trail
Corridor sy_sicnt localcd betwce)Lake Washington and Run Reeis Park. ,
9.16 I Ruhiier panicle/rc>iduc from the aoliaccnl r:unp>into the park area and especially the pool area will
need to he mitigated. This residue will likely cause ntervased detcrlorauun to the pool ftcilih'.
0. The Parks Division will not accept any loss of park maintenance facility yard area or mainten:u+ee ,
9-17 I building structures due to the existing limited capacity. Any loss of space will require relocation of
the Parks maintenance facility including pmlxny acqui.tion and facilily dcyclopnncnt.
7. Two access points to the park must be maintained at all times and nul.I he able to cicconrtnodale
9-18 I ladder trucks, fire engines, aid cars. maintenance vehicles. and park users (including Irestic area).
Access Irom the fvlal le\Talley hlighw•ay and one access front I lonser Way nce•d to he maintained.
9-19 I i. Trail access from Cedar River Park over the river to the Narco properly'must be maintained. Any
impacts will need to be mttgated.
9-20 / .hadow effects From 1-40>; Duc to the cxislinc active rccrcalion uses ❑lid landscape amenities.
encroachnncnl of shade into the park area will nccd to be nutlg;ned. Shade encroachment inhibits
plant and ntrfgromb and rcluvcuation.Ihcrchy limiting Illy schedided Ilse of Field lime.
9-21 ( 10. Damaged and/or removed landscaping and irri�)tion will)cc(I to he replaced in order to maintain the ,
park soling.
I 11.The four-t?rot-diameter(approximate)ltig Ixilf 19aplc(:\c•c,,naaco,pli.Ilm n)c;tst I,f 1-405 will need
9-22 to iW evaluated and appraisal by a certified arknist. If removal is required, the City will require
monetary reimbursement lot the appraised replacement value.
IZ. Prior to construction. it certified ;Irhurist will he required to evaluate all bees with a tree canopy
9-23 cxlcndine into an p y urposed ccmslnrcaion limits. A cellitied arherist reporl will he required liar each ,
tree. identifying rcconmnendations for ttrc protection, special pruning practices. cte. to he utilized
during the construction phase(s).
II J.k�..•,R� I,<M•vv:iae I'xvnyA Pn�,ssaiegl,i:l':!• te.-µ.v..:v..I•..n.rer ITn;r..r1Y'�n()1 I.+C1I1 K—.1 RT I.A,.:rti+n-u+a.Sn��•
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-13 ,
1-405 North Kenton Pr6ect
October 2 i.2(1(13
Pace
9-24 I 13. I'he Cily xvill require a ccllific•(1 arlxrrist periorm all Irce root pruning, limb rrmoy:rl. liurb 1lrt 1111197
tree Spadework,etc.
I 1=.. Thc0ty will require;I licensed I:utclscalw contractor to install all landscape elements including: plant
9-25
' materials,sod/nerd,topsoil and irrigation.
15. There shall be no net loss ni Parking in Cedar River Park. Any loss will need to he rcIlkw•d. Any
9-26 loss of 11;nkland anii loss of usable parkland through the creation of replacement parking will need to
hr mitigated through in kind rrplaccntcnt within the Cedar River Trail Corridor s\strtn located
bel%vee11 Lake\I'ashinguut and Ron Regis Palk.16. l he proposed decorxlive noise \vall :rlom_SR 169 tas part of the SR 169 projccU will need to he
9-27 ( preservtod and protected. If the wall is renutvr(I;real replaced,the replacement wall will require the
>nme Irl\vork incorporated into the forming process.
9-28 I 1-. . noise walls constntcaed as pan of this project and facing park properly need to ineorpar:nr
:rrchilecwr:d elements eonsrSlent with cXiS1in1 park and recreational architectural fcanirc:;.
Narco Property
I. I'rimmv yehicilla ace".,.emergency access(police:md fire)and trail access to the Marco I'rnpeny
from N9ill Avenue South needs at he maint;uncd at all times. Improvements including new clear span
9-29 bridges need to ensure vehicular.umcrgcoc•v and trail access from\'till Avenue to the Nalco I'roprrty.
- Access must Meet City road and bicycle MmIL ill-:.
9-30 I ' f•i+ss o f usable parkland and air space trill lived to be replaced in kind within the Cedar Rit'er'i rail
Corridor system Icxatcd lwlwccn Lake and Kon Rcgis Park.
9-31 I '- Trail acccss From Ccdar River 11;rrk over the river to this Narco property must he maintain n ed. Ay
impacts will nerd to Ili:mitigated.
Liberty fart:
9-32 I I- Hicvcicipcdestrian access from the Cedar River frail to Cedar River Park :end over to Liberty Park must(x•mannt:uncd,as this is pan ofa regional toil system.
Pior to construction, a certified arborist will be required to evaluate all trees with a tree canopy
I9-33 r lending into any prep o cd construction limits. includim,but not limited to trees on Bronsi+n \\ay
' mid Houser \\la 11
y. A certified arlx+rise rgw,t-, will he required tor' each tree idcnlif'%
recommendations for lice protection. special pruning practices, etc. to he utilized during the
constnictiiro phasc(s).
'lire oak (lees on Brinson \\'av will ncc(I to be cvaivatecl :Ind appraised Ihy a certified arborist if
9-34 I removal is required. The City twill re•quirc moncmry reimbursement for the appraised replacement
value.
9-35 14. '17x•City will require it certified arborist pcHotm all lice runt prunin!;, limb removal. limb pruning.
tree spadework,etc.
rI O•tr S.i:rkF.rosin;•++x�o rwrr+f A P.y,na¢r'I Rr.in.bare;.,n.o rua.^S IT-<ci•Oc>pUi�J'J:4'F<:•+nU nra Ca fn.�.,-.u,.+:,ocR..,
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-14
1.405 North Kenton I'rrtjcct
Octolter%!.200.�.
P:ite'
9-36 I > The('.it%twill require;t licensed lands ape contractor to install all L•utlscapc cicnu•nts including: plant ,
materials.sodisced.topsoil and irrigation.
6. 17terc'hall tic no net loss of parking. Any loss will need to be rePl3ced. Ant•loss of parkland and
9-37 loss of doable parkland through the creation of replacement parking%vill nrcii to he mitigated through ,
in kind replacement twidain the Cedar River Trail Corridor s_ystcm h aged hctt+'c•en lake Washington
and Ron Rcgis Park.
i. The close proximity of the propi,sed relocated I loascr Wav w the skalc park xecacs safety and access
9-38 concerns tJtat need to he addressed. Anv solution must pr'owide safe access from Houser Wav to the
Awe park (I'm skating)and around the skate park(between the \well bassi building and the skate
park)for pedestrian access.
9-39 I S. New noise walls constructed as part of this project and Gtcing park properly. need to incorporate
archtcctnr'll elements consistent with existing park and recreational archilcctural Ieamres.
940 I `. Los of usable parkland and air space will need to be replaced in kind within the Cedar River Trail
Corridor svaem.
May Creek
941 1. Loss of parkland and air space will need to be replaced in kind.within the\Iay Creek Trail Corridor.
9-42 i. Loss of vegetation will require re-vegetation with natit•e pl:ur materials.
3. Additional inli rmation is required regarding the installation ofa sound barrio system in this section
943 I of the corridor duc to the steep to{xtgraphy. A constructed sound barrict may require an increased
loss of parkland and existing nalive vegetation—all of which will neat to he replaced.
Wells and Parks tiutunary '
Regarding the constraints near Liberty )'ark and Cedar River Park duc to these parks and the City of
l:c111011'6 well field,Ihorouth technical comments are provided in the preceding. I lotwcwcr,it)suntntarire
the Citvs Ixtsition:
9-04 I I he Citv's tt'clls cannot he relocated and must he avoided.
945 hnpacis to the parks should be minimized.
Given tile first two,positions.an alignment and intcre mn-c configuration should he pursued to ,
946 I determine il-it is possihlc to prOVidc for future flyover r;tntps chat .gill allow direct access to
North Renton.
STOR it NVATF.14:
The project should provide water quanlitw control (detcmion'1 and twatcr quality improvements for all
existing and prolxtscd right-ol'way i Ill provcnwnts. l'hr cuantity and quality controls should he designed
947 in accordance twills the It'rrcbirrgmn SMI Uepn+rn;rat nj F.co/n;{r Sim-111trur•r Ahmin,"rrne•nt A antral fur
W't'g(rn (Putlrbrt;ton or equivalent standards. If WSDOT storm syslems currently discharge or arc
proposed to dischar_x to Cilw storm systems.the dotwnsreanr system capacities should tic atntlyzed and
off=site improvements made as part of the pro�jcct as needed. \\rater quality and quantity impacts should
be militated such Ilat there is no impact innnetfiatch• dotwnsrc;nr of the prt+jcct. Watcrshed based
rr')�<��•\IY�.T.r_r-u.c l'.c.vvA R.y�unm:t'I Ff'.Il l:�m+s.eun ltacar Yryn:al1']I>r.:l l am!`:�Y.ru.r.:'•RrM:.:LA 1.:1 t1 mm:.>.w
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-15
i 1-405 North Rcnlcnt ProJ,:Ct
October 27.20
Page 6
mitigation will need to shot\Thal there are no temlxxary or lone-term impacts due to increased Peak rate
9-07 Cont. and volume•of rimolf.along trill'ch:nigcd%\':tier quality.downslrc;un of the pruicct ct•en it upstivanl off-
site miti¢ation is prollos(,d by the prtji•cl. 11 off-site watershed mitigmion carnal fulls' Inuieatc the
quantity rind qualin• impacts to the downstream -,\.stems (sircam or constructed slornl systems)• then
ciott•nstrcall,iltlligalion will also be required.
WETLANDS:
At a mininimli. ibc proiccl should be held to a "no net loss' of wetlmld area. function, and value.
Replacement ratios for wetland mitigation should.at a minimum,satisfy Renton's wetland replaccnlcni
ratios fur trclIitnd impacts in RClItOil. Dep lrtmcnl cif Fcotogv-s or Army[asps of I-n incers're fit acemew
948 ratios should be acceplabic if thew are equal to or more stringent than Renuon`<. 11'e11:111d milk alion
should Iledone in the same basin and as elms as possible to where the impact occurs. WSDOl'should
establish wellaud mitigation hanks in the basins where wetlands will be impacted by the proiccl and
establish the twelland h:mks as rcyuircd by the Stales Welland\liligation Ranking Pule This Will ensure
that the crated wMands arc established,and have the same function and\.:title is the tvctland that is to he
impacted,prior to the Weiland being filled by the projccl.
Smr,AAI RM"FERSi FIS11 IIANITA•r: .
"rite pruicct should provide nliligatlon to provide for"no act losses'of sri'emn htlffcr;uca, funucoll.and
valuc. In addition.the proicct's impacts to fish habitat(spawning,rearing.and passage)should be held to
949 the same standard. Rcplaccmcm ratios (2:1) fur impacts to stream hullers and lish habital should be
required. Mitigation should Ix incorporated at the Imnlion of the impact to the masunwn degree
wssRile. but the additional milicaiion could be done ofTsiic within the same basin of watershed. A
l
mitigation fund could he establistlecl Gar acquisition,restoration.or cnhaocemcnl of stream butler and/or
prime fish habitat ales that have been determined to he benc(ici:ll to improving salmon habitat. The
pro>iecl should not onlp ulitigalle for tile action impacts but should havc a restoration elenlont to oflscl
prior impacts and the fact that mitigation lVilelits are not immcdiateh achict•etl.especially Wlltm it comes
to stream buffets. Any existing culverts or oilier strc•:uli crossing sirticiures that are harricis of restrictions
to fish passage tiln0ldd be•leplaced with new struclures that don't prevent or restrict fish passage.
Tribulery 0253, presently located near the inicrseclion oh NE 43rd Street and Jones Avcntic NI:.
9-50 historically teas a tributan• to Mav Creek. Thron,:h the decades. with the iniprovcmcnts it) roads and
hichways.Ntan•Creek and this small tributan'have been rerouted and disconnected. 'I ributaiy 0253 is
source o1 potcrtlial dlotxfing over N1 •13rd Street without ❑nntial removal of sediments al the cliNcri
crossine of Nfi 43rd Street. `,Pitts the rcconstnicti,ni of the NI:441111 Street interchange.(he pcacnlial fo.:
reconnecting Tribmary KR3 with May Crock c:\ists. One method tier doing this is replacing the etiNcrts
solder 1-40.) wills open cimmicls as profwscd for Cord Crock and conncctinc l'rihuLln 02ti3 with Ili
ditches alomt I,lkc-Woshilmon Boulevard•which aonwew water to Nlaw Crock.
F1.00MILMNS:
The proieci should he rcyuircd to provide conipcnsaliln storage for Filling of any floudplain. A"ecru
rise` to the tloodwav standard should he applied it,Ihr proiccl. 'I he pniicci is also required to comp).
9-51 \with all ITNIA and Nation Flood Insurance Progrin (NPII') smndartls. since federal limxlin!g will be
used. No encroachment into the Iloodplaiu should be allowed.unless through a hydraulic analysis.it can
Ix demonstrated that tits zero rise standard can be aellwvcd. l'tic hydraulic:m;ilwsis should he based t all
ftmire land tic condition 100-year flood Brows. .%it brid2e crossings of Cedar Kiver and Nlay Creek
should be file Rill span of the 100-year Iloodplain. i.e.no piers.abtuncnis.etc.:hould be located ill the
,1'.ly�..�eltJ.'t.,.t..�.v.Y:.ee.mr A Iawu..m.::t k1.10.ie.v..+v;.�.r.fi.�mlre r.,fi,��[✓,i i..:U..-�k.�u:.::::kcrme.fn('n.,�riiver.i A:av:
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-16
1-405 North Kenton Project
October 27,2003
Page 7
9-51 Cont. 100-yettr floodplain. Next' bridge logy cbord elevations (bottom of the bridge) should I>e set above the
I fatale land use condition 100-year flood elevation by a minimum of Ihrce feet. or higher on stream: or
rivers with Ihc.potential Igor large debris 110-s.
Per the Nood Insurance -Wapping, Stmh,• April 2Ut) prepared by Northwest Hydraulic Consttltanls. [hc '
9-52 pedestrian bridge under 1-105 experiences partial or complete pressure Ilow during the 100- year flood
event. It might be possible to remedy this situation by raising or reconstructjn,_ the pedestrian bridge
coincidentally with the proposed I-=10 i improvements al the Cedar River crussiug.
STORMWATER UTILITIES:
The 1-405 right-of=\%-;ry creates a major barrier to utility services. Rccarding stormwaler,a hydrologic and
9-53 hydraulic anah'sis of all existing and proposed culverts and slx'm systems that cross 1-405 should be
performed to verify that the systems have adc(luate capacity to convey the 100-ycar;24-hour storm event
tin' future land use conditions. If the analysis inific;ncs that the system has insulticient capacity, then i1
should be replaced with a properly sized f:+cility. This is nee(k(d to ensure that adequate storntwater
conveyance can be proyide(1 acr'Uss the 1-405 corridor and that the project will not create upstream
9-54 I drain- e pri,hlems. Any City-owned structures that have to be relocrttcd or arc impacted by the project
should be fully coordinated wish [lie Gift'as to sizrrrg and relocation—all m no cost to the Ci(y. A review
of"the need for potential new storm system crossings should also be conducted in axxdinalion with the
City of Renton Surface Water Utility to address the harrier problem that 1-40.5 presents to the natural
9-55 drainage and the ability to provide storm drainage.service[o areas upstreamn of 1-405.
'I-he followin¢ is a list of I-40S stern+ cri+ssin_s from the C-ity's inventory slaps, not to be construed as a
clelmitive list (sce attached inventory maps):
• At SR-169(Maple Valley 1-ligh-ay)
• South ol-NE Oh Street
• At North 8"'Street
• Midway between NE Park Drive and North 8"'Street
• At NI"Park Drive(runoff from NE Park Drive)
• At NE Park Drive(runoff from NE of 1-405,NE Park Drive interscclion)
• At NL:27"'Court
• North of NE 44i6 Street
SIIOREI,INLti:
9-56 I fhe project should Comply with the currently adopted 19'us1lu+,eton.Sine Uepnrunen1 of Ecolug�tv.4bnreline
114(ma);e+nelu Gnidelines and City adopted N•tasler Shoreline Program regulwions.
TRANSPORTATION:
City v\i-tcr•ials and Local Streets ,
Impacts to traffic patterns an(I volnntcs on City arterials and local streets need to be identified and
mitigated. These impacts potentially include,hilt are not limiled to:
9-57 The ctil-de-.sac o1 Mouser.1IMeadow and Factory Avenues at Bronson \Vay:
■ The addilional capacity needs im Mill Aveatu(:, the Bronson Way bridge and the Logan Avenue
bridge over the Cedar River:
■ Traffic pattern revisions on Sunset Roule.v;n'd at the SR 169/North I°'Surd inlerchangc'
u+r�i.}.,�I ItY.11>.nir+u:va�ann;nr.a 1'ror,ar-minr.l7kl'-1].i,nunn,:w+i".+nnlnp.�•R�o.�a�+•tir'�T b<nativ Rrau,n'a ttrnur.tS�Ccx C.+,n,n+w.J,.•:«
i
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-17
1-40� North Renton Project
October,2 7,2003
Page 1
• Additional traffic signals or traffic signal revisions, such as oil the Maple Valley I-liell av and
9-57 Cont. NI 3"1 Street.and.
• The connection of Houser Way North to the SR 169 interchange, (file to file loss of the Mouser
Way'l-unnel.
-Neighborhoods and Businesses
9-58 Impacts to traffic through nciLhhorhoods need to be identified and nmitigated. Neighborhoods potentially
I impacted include the downtown Renum Central 13usrncss District (03D), the north Retltoll residential
neighborhood,alit[the I-Iiehlands neighborhood(clue to revised Sunsel Boulevard).
I Impacts. such as access and traffic patterns. to local businesses need to be identified and mitigated.
9-59 Polenlially impacted businesses include those located on Sunset Boulevard, Bronson \Vay North. Maple
Valley Hi'ph •ay and aNlain Avenue South.
9-60 I Due to the proposed split-diamond interchange configuration at SR 169/North 3"t Street, pedestrian and
bicycle connectivity between North 1"i Street and Maple Valley I-lipliway need to be identified.
Traffic-Modeling and Sinnrlation
9-61 I Traffic modeling and simulation should be conducted using appropriate tools in order to fully identify and
unckrstand file impacts Mm local arterials,streets and (reewav ioterchanLcs.
Detailed discussion rcLardim, traffic modeling; such as intersection capacity analysis. is being
coordinated between the City andAVSDOT througlm separate correspondence.
It is ,anticipated that in the near fuutre the Renton City Council will be making decisions regarding the
North Renton Boeing area and potential Comprehensive Plan amendments. A Dralt I.Anvironntental
Impact Statement (DINS) was issued in Jul' 2003 regarding file Boeing proposal to rezone portions of
9-62 their North Renton property as a result of their`lnovc-to-the lake". As identified in the DIGS,traffic and
land use than es (file to the redevelopment of the North Renton Boeing proper7v need to be included in
the 1-405 future traffic modeling analysis. The baseline forecast will not include the hoeing, Land Use
Sccnario�-
The North Renton fleeing Redevelopment DFIS trallic amalysis indicates that the proposed revisions to
9-63 I the SR 169 interchange xvill operate over-capacity. The performance of this interchange needs to be
Validated.
The North Renton Boeing 17FIS identifies a capacity need in file Park Avenuc interchange, eastbound to
9.64 I northbound ual'f ic. The capacity needs of-Ilais inferchautgc•should he analq-r.ed- For(sample,it should be
dctennined if the eastbound to northbound loop rump should be retained in the lirttire desipl.
II is propos
9-65 40c(I 10
eliminate the 1-405 ramps from Sunset Blvd. Sunsct Boulevardi will go oycor under I-
5 and connect into the North Renton mciehborhood local sweet systenm. It is file City s preference to
have Sunsel Boulevard go under 1-405. if possible. Traffic modeling should analyze the mafftc impacts
due 10 this reconfiguration of Sunset Boulevard.
u.u'i> S-A PY-I ;.,:,,rim I"u neim'.l i'wF ammin 11H1'-111•Immrvutinn I'lamiei_a':Jrc-U R'CDVI'IJp)W IGnunlC Rnn:n tin,::,Gn nw s me o«
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-18
1-405 North Renton Project '
October 27. 2003
Page 9
Renton Hill Access
The September 17,2003 I'relinlinary Plans show the two existing access overpasses('Cedar Avenue South
and Renton Avenue South) being, combined into one access. with the overpass on the Renton Avenue
9-66 South alignment. Although south of the Cedar River. clue to its close proximity to the North Renton
project limits, we Offer the l'ollowing perspectives regarding, access to Renton Hill
I. A second access to Renton 1-Jill needs Io be provided.
2. Any impacts duc to this Second access need to be Illlrlirillzed and mitigated.
3. The second access should be cost effective. South Renton funds Saved with this secondary access
illiernative will then be available for other section,of South Renton.
WSDO f proposed several options for a second access to Renton I lilt. -I'hese options include extending
either Grant Avenue South Or Cedar Avenuc South. south into the Benson Hill neighborhood: cenutect
either Mill Avenue South or South 7'h Street across 1-405 to South Grady Way between City 1-1a11 and
Sam's Club:and,extend\gill:Avenue South northeast.dott-n the hill. in order to utilize the existing Narco
property access under the 1-405 Cedar River bridge.
WSDO I'and the City twill continue to develop a preterred alternative to prm•idc this second access-
PACCAR
"There are several x>Icnti;ll impacts to the PACCAIt propert that need to be idcntitied and mitig,atcd:
I
9-67 I'he North Rth Street direct access ramp nlav hays impact: to the PACCAR property On the south
side of the street:
• 'I-he relocation of Houser Way North to its firmer location across the PAC(.,'AR propelhy:
• The potential exlension Of Sunset Boulevard to the wem across PACCAR property to North 5i1'
Street. '
T•.ro oaic NEIGHBORnoous.and s I,:a,I,ctc:r►.a.nt c:
I. W'hile this may already be addressed,please accept this reminder that the North 8"'Strcci HOV direct '
M8 I access ramp should allow ramp traffic to access the north lc of Garden Avenuc, bolh in Where the
ramp lands and through signalizatitm to allow fin'safe turning movements.
9 69 ( 2. I-o maintain the future viability of Houser Way, potential Connections should be examined so that
I-looser\Vav between Park Avenuc and Bronson wav can lirltction as it frontage road.
9-70 I 3. Similarly. the North Renton 1-405 fnvironnlental Assessment should con S
consider options for unset
Boulevard NF.to have a more direct link to 1-40-;.
1. The Park :\venue Interchange northbound exit ramp should he located to allow enough room for an
9-71 I eastbound to northbound loop ramp. City ol"Renton forecasts be
that this loop ramp would b
nccessary even under baseline land use conditiotls.
9-72 `• Earlier NE 4.1"' Street interchange designs showed ;ul eastbound to n011hholmd loop tamp. The
I norihbiwnd cxil ramp should be located far enough east to allow roots lilt this potential IoOp ramp.
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-19
' 1-405 North Kenton Project
October 27.2003
Page 10
Previous illeclings
The mceling records from these mo previous meetings accurately reflect comments by the City regarding
9.73 the North Renton Environmental Assessment:
■ iMeelinu Record.Agency Scopinu w1cetinp.SCplembcr 17.2003
• �9cctine RecLm(l.C'iiv of Renton Mecting.October 14,20033
City Reviewers:
Staff involved in reviewing the subjecl document arc:
Nick Afzali, Planning and Programming Manager
Shawna Mulhali, Development NIana ler
Ron Straka,Surlace Water Utility Supervisor
Ahdoul Galour. Water Utility EMginecring Supervisor
Leslie Betlach. Parks Diwetor
Should you have any(lucstions or concerns,please contact?wick Afrali,the City's point of contact for 1he
1-405 project.at(425)4 0-724 .
Sinccr v.
Gregg%imnicrmat't,r\(lministrvor
Planning,/Building/Public Work:
Aturchments
cc(without attachments):
Alex Picisch
Dennis Culp
Leslie Betlach
Sandra Meyer
Nick Afvali
Ron Straka
Abdnul Gafom
Shawna Mulhall
Pile
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-20
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-26
RECEIVED '
OCT 1 7 2003
URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
October 15,2003
Christina Martinez
1-405 Congestion Relief and BRT Projects
Washington State Department of Transportation
6431 Corson Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98108-3445
RE: Environmental Analysis Comments
Dear Ms.Martinez:
One issue that should be further addressed in the Environmental Assessment(EA)is
10.1 instability of the slopes above 1-405 in the vicinity of Newcastle. Instability in this area
was addressed in the original EIS but shifting the lanes further east as currently proposed
makes avoidance of landslide hazard areas impossible and instability mitigation measures
more critical.
As noted from the City of'Newcasticsoriginal EIS comments,the effect of traffic during
construction and at completion along both parallel and perpendicular streets is a concern.
Arterial improvement of Coal Creek Parkway in Newcastle prior to start of 1-405
10-2 construction would help mitigate congestion during construction. We are particularly
concerned with pedestrian safety along,those roads in the City that would see higher
traffic volumes but do not currently have adequate sidewalks. it is my understanding that
provision for crossing 1-405 at SE 72'"r Street will be designed into the 1-405 project but
no actual work will take place. SE 72n"Street is a local street Without sidewalks with no
current plans for future improvement.
City Council wants to sec the neighborhood along Lakc Washington left as intact as
10.3 hossiblc. Acquisition of real properties needed for highway system improvement should
occur prior to further development on parcels to the extent practical. Thank you for the
Opportunity to review the EA documents. If you have any questions,please give me a
call at(425)649-4444 ext. 1.24.
Sincerely,
.lames C.Walker
Public Works Director
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 '
Scoping Report 2-27
0
0
N
' RECEIVED P.O. Box3115
KE�y�,yt� i E Q Renton, WA 98056
]V O OCT 17 20D3 www.kennydale.org U
O
A URBAN CORRIDORS OFFICE
w
October 16,2003
Christina Martinez
Environmental Lead
1-405 Project Team
6431 Corson Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98108-3445
Dear Ms.Martinez,
The Kennydale Neighborhood Association board of Directors would like to take this opportunity
to provide our input into what gets studied in the Environmental Assessment(EA)for the North
Renton Project. It is our understanding that this analysis is done at a project level and will be
substantially more detailed and specific to localized impacts in comparison to the 1405 Corridor
Program DfIS.
We ask that you include and prioritize analysis of the following areas,including considering
11-1 I innovative mitigating measures that will ensure that this project will improve, not degrade the
�i quality of life in Kennydale.
NOISE—1-405 runs right through the Kennydale neighborhood. The noise generated from the
f-reeway affects hundreds of residences. At this time road noise is considered an annoyance for
I 11-2 many. We ask that the recommended mitigating measures result in improved noise levels,or at a
minimum, maintenance of existing levels. Along with traditional noise attenuation measures,
such as sound walls,we ask that consideration be made to the potential benefits ol'well-
maintained pavement,residential soundproofing, berms,and extensive use of trees and
landscaping.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS—1t is important to acknowledge that the 30t°Street and
44 Street interchanges bridge west Kennydale to east Kennydale. Attention must be given to
11-3 designing these structures so that they work to increase adhesivness of the two halves of our
neighborhood and that they look and function as neighborhood streets. They should not be
perceived as harriers. The LA should make recommendations on ways that this can he achieved.
Some ideas sire installation of wide raised sidewalks on both sides of tilt overpass,aesthetically
pleasing railing, use of smaller scale streetscape features such as ornamental lamp posts and
benches.and extensive use of landscaping. These street improvements should be extended a
r 'The Kennydale Neighborhood Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in
Kennydale and fostering community spirit."
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-28
r
r
r
11-3 Cont.I block or two cast and west to integrate the overpass structure into the neighborhood streetscape.
Bike lanes should also be considered.
PEDES"TRIAN SAFETY--Pedestrian safety along the 30°i and 441h Street overpasses should also
be analyzed and mitigating measures proposed--this is particularly important on 30'h Street as
114 kids cross over the highway to get to school. We suggest including landscaped strips between the
sidewalks and roadway, inclusion of in ground lights at crosswalks(similar to what is used at the
Renton transit center),and use of medians to slow traffic down. Ifthcsc,along with additional
study recommendations do not provide an adequate level of pedestrian safety,then we ask that a
pedestrian overpass be considered.
AESTHETICS—The appearance of the roadway including wall system and interchanges is very
11-5 important to the quality,and perceived quality,of our neighborhood. As demonstrated in the
Olympia area and Mercer Island,highways can he made attractive by extensive landscaping,
including the use of landscaped center medians and overpasses. In addition to being a defining
neighborhood feature,this portion ofthe 1-405 corridor is a gateway to the City of Renton.
Aesthetics is of paramount concern.
STUDY INCLUSION OF LIGHT RAIL—There has been renewed interest in pursuing use of the
11-6 BNRR right-of-way for commuter light rail service. We support use of the 1405 ROW for this
purpose and request that this study analyze impacts under this option.
11-7 ROW—The analysis should provide a comparison of residential and business property
I acquisition under the alternative designs.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS—The analysis should include measures that will he taken to
11-8 I minimize the diversion of traffic through neighborhood streets, including Lake Washington Blvd.
Noise and air quality impacts should also be addressed.
COST/131ENEFIT ANALYSIS—The study should include an analysis,for each alternative,of the
11-9 ( costs and benefits. This should include a discussion on the traffic congestion benefits arising
from the project,compared to the No Action or fewer-lanes alternatives_
11-10 ( OTHER—Other important areas to study include fisheries,water and air quality impacts.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment. We look forward to continued collaboration on this
monumental regional and neighborhood project.
Sincerely,
Cindy Il - Kim Browne
KNA 1'rc ident KNA Board Member
1-405 Citizens Committee Member
r
'The Kennydale Neighborhood Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in
Kennydale and fostering community spirit."
r
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-29
October 17,2003
Christina Martinez
Environmental Lead
1-405 Project"Team
6431 Corson Avenue South
Seattle,WA 98108-3445
Re:Comments on the scope of the WSDOT Environmental Assessment of the 1405
Corridor Program 'North Renton Project.'
To Whom 1t May Concern:
On behalf of the Transportation Choices Coalition I would like to submit the following
comments on the scope of the WSDOT EnVliOnrnental Assessment (EA)of the 1-405
12-1 Corridor Program 'North Renton Projcct.' Although we anticipate that WSDOT is not
inclined to analyze alternatives to the four lane widening of I-405 in this EA,we believe
it is necessary,and in fact required by changes in circumstance in the 1-405 Corridor and
the larger Central Puget Sound Region since adoption of the 1-405 Corridor Program
Preferred Alternative in November of 2001.
WSDOT and it's co-project leadS are required to plan and evaluate projects that can be
fully completed with the funding that can reasonably he expected to be available during
the 15 year period planned for project implementation.Although there was no strategy
12-2 for financing the S6.8 billion of projects and programs contained in the Preferred
Alternative in 2001,the plan was adopted. Since that time,the estimated cost (CEVP)of
i the Preferred Alternative has ballooned up to 60%,,to$10.9 billion.Only$485 million
has been secured for project implementation from the state,and opportunities for local
and regional funding over the next 15-years appear to be limited to$3.1 billion(potential
RTID funding).It is therefore,not reasonable to expect more than$4 billion to be
available for project implementation in the next 15-years.The North Renton Project
Environmental Assessment must then evaluate alternatives,including those previously
rejected in the programmatic EIS study for fulfilling project objectives at lower cost.
One such low-cost alternative was proposed in 2001 by the Transportation Choices
Coalition and it's partners in Sensible Solutions for 405. Through the 1-405 Con-idor
Program public involvement process in 2000-2001,WSDOT and it's project partners
12-3 received comment from hundreds of residents and other corridor stakeholders.The vast
majority of the comments received-well over 1500,according to the WSDOT summary
of public comment-expressed support for a hybrid alternative five,as proposed by
Sensible Solutions for 1-405. Comments cited the proposal's cost-effectiveness(relative
to the 'build' alternativeS evaluated in the DEiS),reliability resulting from the provision
of non freeway-based alternative transportation modes in the congested 1-405 corridor,
effective demand reduction strategies,and targeted road improvements throughout the
corridor.In 2001,the Sensible Solutions for 1-405"Alternative Five-plan for the
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-30
12-3 Cont. corridor was estimated to cost$3.1 billion—well within the$4.0 billion that might
reasonably be expected to be available for corridor improvements by 2020.
Given the changes in ciru cmstance since adoption of(he Preferred Alternative in 2001,
12-4 I these citizen comments should he considered in the formulation of alternatives for the
Sub-corridor level North Renton Project. '
'ro prove an clfective tool in assisting decision makers(elected officials and permitting
agencies)with alternative selection and effective project implementation,the EA for the '
Forth Renton project must include:
1. Evaluation of less-costly TDM/l'ransit focused alternatives for meeting the
project purpose and need,including:
a. Purchase and use of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe(BNSFRR)
line between Tukwila and \Yoodinvillc for intermediate capacity
12-5 transit service,with potential future upgrade to rail based High Capacity
Transit(I-1CT). Although the purchase and use of the BNSFRR line was
not included in Preferred Alternative for the I-405 Corridor Program,it
must now be included in alternatives analysis because circumstances have
changed significantly.It has come to public attention that 13NSF has
offered the right of way for sale to the Secretary of Transportation.
Because the purchase and use of the BNS]"coridor were included in the
original scope of alternatives analysis for the 1-405 Corridor Program,and
was]eft out of the Preferred Alternative largely because the right of way
was thought to be unavailable for purchase,the recent change in
circumstance obliges VdSDOT to include the purchase and use of the
BNSFRR in the alternatives analysis to be conducted as part of the North
Renton Projecl EA.
b. Addition of one High Occupancy Toll lane(hIOT)lane in each
direction,rather than the proposed addition of two new general-purpose
lanes in each direction between 1-5 in Tukwila and 1-90 in Bellevue.
C. In a TDA•1 focused alternative,evaluate the potential for congestion
pricing on the existing lanes of the 1-405 freeway to meet project goals for
the reduction of'congestion,' and improvement of transit and auto travel
times by reduce demand,and raise revenue to fund:
i. Corridor maintenance,
ii. TDM pro rams,including employer-based and entrepreneurial trip
reduction,and:
iii. Additional local and regional transit service in the corridor.
2. 1?valuate the comprehensive performance and impacts of the transit,TDM
12-6 I and road manuf anent elements of the adopted Prel'crre.d Alternative AS
CURRENTLY DL•'FINED in project implementation plans.The 1-40.5
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-31
Condor Congestion Relief and Bus Rapid'I'ransit project,and 10-yeti
implementation plans, as described by WSDOT staff in public meetings,and as
charactcrized.in program materials,are inconsistent with the package of projects
and programs evaluated(for performance and impacts)as the"preferred
alternative"in the 1-405 Conidor Program DEiS in several ways. Statements
about the 'congestion relief' benefits and travel time savings of the 1-405
Congestion Relief, Bus Rapid Transit project are significantly overstated
because they are based on travel demand modeling of the original 1-405 Preferred
Alternative,which included significantly more focus on transit and transportation
12-6 Cont. demand management strategies than what is currently being proposed. A
significant reduction in congestion and improvement in corridor travel speeds for
cars and transit riders was assumed to result from the following elements of the
' original PA,which are modified,reduced in scale,or no longer included in the
current corridor implementation strategy:
i. 100% increase in local transit service throughout the con-idor.
(Note: shortly after adoption of the Preferred Alternative, 1-405
Corridor Progr;un materials called for an 'up to 5091(" increase in
local transit service in the conidor.).The EA for the North Renton
Project must evaluate the performance of the freeway,local arterial
and transit systems if the current implementation plan,which
assumes NO increase in local transit service is carried out:
ii. BRT operating within a corridor assumption of two HOV lanes in
each direction,each of which would require three or more.
occupants per vehicle for entry.This assumption was used as
recently as August 2003 in a 1-405 Congestion Relief and Bus
Rapid Transit white paper on 405 13RT,despite the fact that neither-
the 'nickel fund' investments already programmed for the corridor,
or the 10-year implementation plan adopted by the Executive
Committee in October of 2003 include any additional HOV or
]10'1 t;rcilities.The I A for the North Renton Project must evaluate
the performance of the freeway,and BR'T system operating in the
existing congested 11OV lanes if that is the current plan for the
corridor.
iii. Transportation Demand Management programs were slated to
receive up to$452 in in investment throughout the 15-year
implementation of the Corridor Program.These sensible
investments were assumed to take significant pressure off of the
freeway corridor,shifting travel times,and increasing transit,
pedestrian and cycling mode shares.The current implementation
plan calls for over 5)(Mv of the PA roadway improvements to occur
within rile first ten years,but ICSS th;nt 104r')of the planned TDM
invostment.To accurately demonstrate performance and impacts of
the proposed project,the North Renton Project EA.must evaluate
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-32
12-6 Cont. I system performance if the full TDM program is NOT implemented
concurrently,or prior to road construction as planned.
3. Measure the cumulative and secondary impacts of all project alternatives on
the local and regional:
12-7 a. Transportation system,
b. Land-development patterns,and:
c. Associated transportation impacts of new,project-generated land
development on the local and regional transportation system,air quality, '
water quality,and endangered species habitat.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the scope of the LA for the North Renton '
Project. We look forward to the opportunity to participate further in the design of this
study,and will continue to work for investments in the 1-405 Corridor that expand
transportation choice,while enhancing public health and the environment.
Sincerely,
KMS
Kevin Shively
Policy Director
Transportation Choices Coalition
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-33
Martinez, Christina
From: Colleen Gants legants@prrbiz.coml
Sent: Friday,October 17,2003 9:54 PM
To: kaseburg@localnet.com
Cc: nlartinezc@wsdot.wa.gov;olsonhe@wsdot.wa.gov
Subject: Project at Exit 9
Dear tar. Kaseburg,
As I mentioned in my previous email, I worked with one of our project engineers, Roland
' Benito, to assemble a vicinity map identifying your home and the proposed preliminary
designs for the I-405 corridor improvements. I am preparing that map to send you in the
mail.
I thought I'd also copy our environmental lead, Christina Marti.nez. on this email so she
1 can review your comments belot•., regarding the environmental features in your area. She nu./
wish to comment on the points you highlighted. If you'd like, you can also contact-
Christina directly:
Christina Martinez
1-405 Environmental Coordinator
Washington State Dept. of Transportation
office: (206) 464-1225
cell: (206) 713-0247
' Sincerely,
Colleen Gants
7-405 Public Information
206-768-5792
cgants@pr.rhiz.com
-----Original Message-----
I Scott 6 Kathy Kaseburg [mailto:kaseburg@localne.t.com <mailto:kaseburg@Iocal net.com>
1
Senn: Sunday, October 05, 2003 10:35 PM
To: i4050wsdot.wa.9ov
Subject: Project at Exit 9
I appreciate the review that you hosted on 9/17. There are several.
thing that came up in my di::cussions where. I would appreciate follow-up:
13-1I 1. I would like to volunteer to host a noise monitoring station.
2. I would appreciate a copy of the design as was shown surrounding the
13-2 exit 9 area.' I have had conversations with several of my neighbors and I think I can he useful to both them and you if I had that section to
show them. Essentially, the Pleasure Point lane area which runs
parallel to 405. From tite 5200 block to 5900.
3. There is a -significant design consideration. The we.^.•tern boundary of
traffic will move from its current 250 ft away from us to about 120 ft
from what I. saw on the design. This appears to cause the access road of
Lake washingt_on Blvd SE to be relocated closer to the BN RR tracks,
starting right about where my house sits. It appeared from the
13-3 preliminary design that some encroachment of the BN property/right of
way is contemplated. I,o accomplish the movement of tite road, it appears
that. a substantial retaining wall. is required, from the tracks to the
access road of almost 80 feet high at the 1:i.ghest point. Secondly,
another retaining wall will be needed between the access; road and the
freeway deck . . .which I did not see on the preliminary design. It
' appears that the Southibound on-ramp will cause Chic: area to be very
crowded. Ttte elevation shift looks to be almost 1.00 feet. You may be
unaware that there are freshwater springs at this same location that
1
t
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-34
1
come right under several of our houses, clearly originating from this '
:;,ank. It is one of only two places in all of lake Washington that 1. am
aware of where salmon spawn right in the lake. Right in front of our
13-3 bulkhead, dozens upon dozens of salmon can he seen from early October
Cont. through the end of November.. Stae fisheries monitors it closely. The
new retaining walls may distrupt the springs. Also, I and our neighbors
are also a bit: apr.ehensi.ve at having such giant structures as our
back-drop! Perhaps planting trees between the tracks and our roadway
(Pleasure Point Lane SE) will help mitigate both noise and visual
issues.
Great project! 1 hope to be of assistance.
yours,
Scott Kaseburg '
5443 Pleasure Point Lane Sr, Bellevue, WA 98006
425-957-7136 (home) , 206-766-1052 (day)
2
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 ,
Scoping Report 2-35
Jcoping of I nvnronmcntal Assessment for the 1-4U>, North Kenton Project Pagc 1 of 3
Martinez, Christina
From: Martin,Ann[Ann.Martin@METROKC.GOV)
Sent: Friday,October 17,2003 3:04 PM
To: 'Martinez,Christina'
Cc: Taniguchi,Harold;Posthuma,Ron;Hull,David;Burkey,Jeff;Whiting,Kelly;Simmonds,Jim
Subject: Scoping of Environmental Assessment for the 1-405,North Renton P roject
Christina-Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the scope of the environmental assessment for the 1.405,
North Renton Project. Here are Jeff's comments:
My comments on the presentations in addition to the questions/answers documented and the Generalized
Activities document are:
Good presentations,but were lacking content on addressing the potential effects to the surface and subsurface
14-1 drainage systems.They talked about the major conveyances(e.g.Cedar River,Coal Creek,etc.)and how they
plan on mitigating around those.Are there smaller tributaries that possibly travel through or near the proposed
widening corridor(these likely could be insignificant)? Will the storm water system for the project be integrated
with the natural water courses,or will they provide bypasses and/or diversions separating runoff from the project.
14-2 With the runoff generated from the Interstate,how do the plan on re-entering the natural drainage system(will
their be inter-basin transfers of surface waters,what types of water quality facilities will there be?).I would
assume that when they select a design,they will begin to address these issues during the more detailed process.
They discuss about the potential affects to water quality related to conventionals(incl.nutrients)and metals due
14-3 to increased traffic,but don't mention anything about petroleum based organics. I can't seem to find the
preliminary findings for the SR-520 study looking at pollutant generation specific to high volume transportation
corridors,but I could next week. They are interesting.
They talked about affecting groundwater,but I find nothing written on mitigation or remediation to any potential
144 long term effects. The possibility of a hazardous chemical spill is VERY possible since,two major ones have
occurred within the last 6 months(1-5 Lynnwood,1-90 Issaquah).
Lastly,they mention that they identified no substantial possibilities of hazardous material sources during operation
of the project.They specifically mentioned the prospect of moving a gasoline station,and impacting several
14-5 backyards,and a few houses during the presentation. Depending on the age of the houses,underground oil tanks
were a common practice,not the mention the potential soil contamination of the underground fuel storage tanks at
the gas station. Do they find out before and plan for it,increasing the legal issues of purchasing the property?or
do they hold off in site evaluations and conduct tests after procurement of the properties,reducing costs to
procure but more of an unknown.
I like the Watershed approach for mitigation,but they still have to deal with the local issues locally to some
degree. Again, I'm not too familiar with the process,so if some of these comments would be more appropriate
later in the game,or since I have not reviewed all those volumes of reports and my comments are answered
elsewhere,my apologies.
It appears they have a well experienced team assembled for the project. Good things are sure to come.
-Jeff
To Jeff's comments, I add the following:
1 am a bit concerned about the ability to adequately comment on the project environmental assessment scope at
14-6 the same time as commenting on the scope of a supplemental EIS, it one is determined to be needed. In the first
case,you are asking that we identify areas of concern,which are,we hope,being covered in the expertise
10/17/2003
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-36
1
JCoping of 17rlvlrottnlental Assessment for lne 1-4U>.JNOI111 KCnIOn 111,0.1ect vage 2 of S
reports. In the second case,we need to comment on the likely significance of impacts in those areas of concern.
14-6 1 hope the expertise reports will provide additional detail in this regard. This is a difficult,if not impossible task.
Cont. Since this has not stopped us before, I will proceed nonetheless.
As stated at the agency hearing.I am concerned that the environmental assessment needs to include an analysis
of possible phasing of the project. Are there any specials effects that result from phased implementation of the
14-7 project that would not occur should the project be completed in total? What might the likely phases be? The
significance of these questions is the real possibility that funding for the entire project will not be available and that
the project will have to be done in increments.
Construction impacts will be critical in all the areas that have been identified in the project overview. The impacts
14-8 ( of diversions,interruptions o1 traffic on 1-405 during construction,and other temporary,but important changes in
travel in this corridor during construction need to be addressed specifically.
I We look forward to continuing our work with you on this and other major transportation corridors,to make good
14-9 decisions for travel and for the environment. There may be opportunities for us to work together to enhance
mitigation needed for this project and we hope you will work with us in this regard.
Please let us know it you have any questions about these comments. Again,thank you for the opportunity to
comment. Ann
---Original Messagr,--- '
From: Martin,Ann
Sent: Thursday,October 16,2003 4:22 PM
To: Hull,David;isaarson,Mark;Kriedt,Gary;Norman,Paulette
Cc. Taniguchi,Harold;Posthuma,Ron;Obeso,Victor;aurkey,Jell;Marks,Sally
Subject; RE:Scopinq of Environmental Assessment for the 1-405,North Renton Project
This is a general reminder that if you want to comment on this scoping,the deadline is tomorrow,October '
17. 1 have not received any comments from anyone to date,but am willing to pass any comments you
might have along tomorrow. Thanks. Ann
-----Original Message.--.
From: Martin,Ann
Sent: Thursday,September 18,2003 1:22 PM
To: Hull,David;Isaacson,Mark;Knedt,Gary;Norman,Paulette
Cc: Taniquchi,Harold;Posthurna,Ron;Obcso,Victor;ourkey,Jett;Marks,Sally
Subject: scoping of Environmental Assessment for the 1-405,North Renton Project -
Jeff Burkey and I attended an agency meeting yesterday that provided a North Renton Project overview.
The intent of the meeting was to identify agency concerns,facilitate efficient environmental review and
document preparation, ensure that environmental documents address the relevant issues,and begin to
define the issues that need to be covered in detail and those that are not of concern. This environmental
review is the project level supplement to the corridor EIS,which includes the preferred alternative adopted
in the Record of Decision. This project,which is within the scope of the preferred alternative,requires an
environmental assessment leading to either a finding of non-significance(FONSI)or finding of significance
under NEPA.
This is the beginning of a month-long comment period,which culminates on October 17. This comment
period is particularly important because,although WSDOT is only doing an environmental assessment at I
this time,they will use the same scoping input to determine the content of an EIS if one is prepared.
Jeff and I got folders containing both a verbal and graphic descriptions of the project and elements
WSDOT is expecting to cover in their current review. Please let me know if you would like to borrow this
information. I would like to coordinate our response to this request. If you want a little more information, '
please check out the following website,which is maintained by WSDOT:
10/1712003
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-37
:�copmg of cuvirunmenuu r►ssessment ror the t-yu,,ivonn Kenton vrolecr rages of s
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov//projects/1-405/nrentonea.htm.
' Please let me know it you have any questions or would like to have comments included in a scoping
response.
Ann
Principal Transportation Planner
King Counts'Office of Regional Transportation Planning
201 South Jackson;KSC-7R-0414
' 206-163-4711 PAX 206-684-2111
1
1
' t 0/t 712003
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-38
1
Colleen Gants
From: Beshaler,Nancy[BeshalN@wsdot.w3.govj r
Sent: Monday,September 29,2003 3:54 PM
To: Colleen Gants ' 1
Cc: Olson, Heidi M. 1
Subject: FW:I-405 North Renton improvements
----Original Message----- '
From: Ernie Grillo[rnailto:ErnieG@Computecft.com]
Sent: Wednesday,September 17,2003 6:47 PM
To: 1405@wsdot.wa.gov
Subject:I-405 North Renton improvements '
I received into in the mail regarding the design scoping meetings for the North Renton Project.
I
15-1 Will adding 2 lanes to 1 405 affect the bicycle and pedestrian trail that parallels lake Washington from Renton to '
Bellevue?If so how?
Will the trail remain open during construction?I plan on attending the January 2004 scoping meeting.
Thank you for your time.
Kind Regards, '
Ernie Grillo,King County Citizen Member,WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Note NEW work phone tt 425 216 0577 '
Toll Free 800 882 0201 x 1577
ernie Q;omputech_com
ernie grillo
1
1
�1200? t
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 '
Scoping Report 2-39
Pauc I of 1
' Colleen Gants
From: Beshaler,Nancy[BestialN@wsdol.wa.gov]
Sent: Tuesday,September 23,2003 3:06 PM
To: Colleen Gants
Cc: Ross Fenton(E-mail);Trussler,Stacy;Olson, Heidi M.:Rubstello,Patty:Martinez,Christina:Benito,
Roland
' Subject: FW: 1-405 expansion in Renton 11 f J
4
-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Harlan[mailto:shdesign@msn.com]
' Sent:Wednesday,September 17, 2003 3:57 PM
To: BeshalN(Wwsdot.wa.gov
Subject: 1-405 expansion in Renton
Dear Ms. Beshaler,
I've reviewed the schematic maps available on the WSDOT sites and would like further
information..I live 2 blocks east of 405 in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. As time allows, could
you, or someone familiar with this portion of the I-405 expansion, please respond to my
questions.
1. We have a northbound access ramp just below our house, between exit 4 and exit 5. It has
' been the scene of many horrific accidents as people race across Sunset Blvd to get on 405. Is this
ramp going?
2. The noise mitigation at the ramp mentioned above is non-existent. The low concrete walls have
' in fact created a funnel for sound and at times my wife and I can't stand being in our back yard.
Are there plans to increase the height of walls at this ramp?
3. Where exactly is the state planning to fit 4 more lanes through this area? Are houses on
Grandey Way NE going to be bought out so 405 can expand eastward?
4. When will a map or maps be available that show the exact design layout of the lanes in relation
to existing streets, features, etc...?
' Sincerely,
Stephen Harlan
SH/
509 Bronson9 Br Way NE
Renton, Wa. 98056
425-271-0484
' 9/2 S/2003,
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-40
:EIVED
James R. Loring
1 4 2003 1815 153f' Avenue South East ,
Bellevue, Washington 98007-6141
.;OARIDORS OFFICE
Telephone&Facsimile: (425)746-2365 E-mail: design@eskimo.com
Ms. Christina Martinez '
Environmental Lead
I-405 Project Team
6431 Corson Avenue S. '
Seattle, Washington 98108-3445
RE: Scoping / I-405 North Renton Improvements Environmental Process ,
11 October 2003
Dear Ms. Martinez,
I have several concerns in regard to potential adverse environmental impacts of the I-
405 North Renton Project, and request a project EIS addressing issues raised in the I-
40S Corridor FEIS be prepared. Significant environmental impacts, specifically adverse '
impacts to historic resources and archeological sites - either currently known or yet
unidentified within the scope of this Project - were not addressed in the I-405 Corridor
17-1 Program FEIS. A cursory examination of the I-405 Corridor Program Final
Recommendation Report, Chapter 10 Environmental Opportunities, makes no mention ,
of the concerns raised with respect to historic and archeological sites.
The preparation of the I-405 Corridor Program EIS was a national demonstration pilot
study for "reinventing NEPA" which encourages NEPA decision making in the earlier '
stages of long-range planning for transportation projects. Yet the 4(f) concerns raised
in my comment, and comments submitted by other interested parties, received
responses indicating that many of these concerns and objections are best addressed at
the project level.
As "reinventing NEPA" is an objective of the I-405 Corridor Project, these comments ,
from interested parties should be addressed at the earliest possible stages of the NEPA
process. The lack of data in regard to historic and archaeological sites hinders
decision-making, and deferral of collecting and analyzing historic and archeological '
data to the project level leads to a fragmentation and "lack of the big picture."
Assembling cultural resource surveys from the project area and studies of
archeological sites should immediately be assembled and evaluated.
Any EIS for the North Renton Improvements must address the issues raised by the '
17-2 interested parties to the I-405 Corridor FEIS. On p. 47 of the Record of Decision, the
EPA in their comment raised the concern that the decision to deferrer addressing so
many environmental impacts to the project level - as opposed to the Corridor level - is
problematic. As lead agency WSDOT should note that deferral of environmental ,
mitigation decisions to the project level is of great concern.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 '
Scoping Report 2-41
My objections in part stem from the incomplete survey, mapping, or documentation of
cultural resources in the I-405 Corridor area of study. These specific concerns of
adverse impacts to historic and archeological resources are deferred to the project
level is acknowledged in the Record of Decision under Historical, Cultural, and
17-2 Cont. Arch aeological Resources (p. 28). Section 306 requirements (p. 33-34) must now be
addressed in the North Renton Improvements. I respectfully disagree that the deferral
of this issue to the project level `fulfills the spirit and intent of Section 106" to protect
these cultural resources. The concern is that the protection of historic and
archaeological sites will not be addressed before "the first shovel of dirt is turned,"
that in the end these issues will not be addressed.
Undiscovered archeological sites can be deferred as specified under the Record of
Decision § 65 on p. 28. Lack of a comprehensive cultural resource survey of the area
may lead to the destruction or disturbance of a historic structure or archeological site.
' These are social costs as acknowledged in the Final Recommendation Report and
should be included in adaptive management techniques that would "maximize benefits
at the lowest environmental and social costs."
The Built Environmental Objectives outlined on p. 47 of the Final Recommendation
Report speaks of minimizing noise, disruptions related to construction activities, and
seeks to locate transportation facilities to promote compact development. Incorporated
17-3 into the project implementation program - utilizing adaptive management techniques-
on the part of the agencies and contractors should be required to prevent the potential
' destruction of historic and archeological resources. The Record of Decision Early Action
Impact Mitigation § 71 on p.29, states "WSDOT will [use the process) to develop an
early action mitigation proposal to mitigate various unavoidable impacts of the
Selected Alternative in advance of project permitting and construction. (emphasis
added)
As part of the formal Scoping process, an EIS should be required before proceeding to
17-4 insure that the conditions specified under the Record of Decision are applied to the
' North Renton Improvements Project, and that environmental concerns be
communicated from the Corridor level to this specific project.
Regards,
' 13aRemes Loring
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
' Scoping Report 2-42
E'p
URN N�o� �2003
°ems OFF
Allan Blackman
522 -29th Ave. South - Seattle, WA - 98144-2430
Phone: 206 323 2080
Email: blackallan@aol.com
September 29, 2003 '
Christina Martinez
Environmental Lead '
1 405 Project Team
6431 Corson Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98108-3445
206 464 1225 ,
SUBJECT: 1 405 Widening
Dear Christina Martinez, '
1 will preface my specific concerns by saying that I am not opposed to
�$-� I expanding the capacity of 1- 405 but i think double decking would be a
better solution than widening. '
My specific concern is the stretch of i — 405 from Coal Creek Parkway
south to Newcastle Beach Park. Immediately abutting the west side of I- ,
18-2 405, from the, south end of 1 18th Ave. SE, is a very important bike path
that is part of the route around Lake Washington as well as part of a
regional north south route for bicyclists connecting Renton to Bellevue
and Kirkland. ,
Abutting the west side of the bike path is a salmon stream and green
18-3 belt that do not show on "The Thomas Guider maps. West of the salmon ,
stream are the Burlington Northern railroad tracks. West and north of
the railroad tracks are the homes of rich people and Newcastle Beach
Park.
When 1 have talked to WSDOT consultants and planners in the past, '
they quite cavalierly say that.you will simply move all these facilities over
184 to the west.as part of widening 1-405. Physically, you cannot move the
salmon stream and green belt. You may be able t.o move the bike path to
the west side of the salmon stream but. that ,vill require taking land or
homes from rich people and land from Newcastle Beach Park.
Even if WSDOT is willing to bear the enormous expense of moving all ,
18-5 these facilities to the west, the project will lose years in legal and political
litigation as bicyclists, salmon preservationists, environmentalists and
rich home owners battle this project. '
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 ,
Scoping Report 2-43
' 18-6 I 1 would urge you to consider some alternative to widening 1-405 in this
area.
' Flan
4G&man
1
r
' 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-44
i
1
Washington State
®,f Department of Transportation
Name (optional)
Organization
Address
City, State, zip -sel%f�v�e—G�/1
Telephone Number72—L____—_—____`
(please print)
Today's open house meeting is an opportunity to provide input into what gets studied in the r
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the North Renton Project. The I-405 EIS completed last summer
produced the most comprehensive analysis of a transportation system in the state's history. However,
before construction work can begin, project level analysis is required to confirm all potential
environmental impacts were fully assessed within the project limits—I-405 from SR169 to just north of
Coal Creek Parkway.
Please provide any comments you may have in the areas provided below and leave this form with a staff
person or at the welcome station where you signed in. You may also mail the form as long as we receive '
it by October 17, 2003.
1. What aspects of the environment do you think should be studied and why?
2. Please describe any concerns you may have about potential environmental impacts.
3. What environmental mitigations do you think should be considered for these potential impacts? — r
4. Do you have any other camrneols about the proposed project? ,
r
i
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005 r
Scoping Report 2-45
Dear Sirs;
The open house meeting a Kennydale F,lemientar.y was very informative. 'Thank
you for presenting it. At the meeting I neglected to look at, or inqui.rc
' about, a traffic flow i.mprovew-nt you might already have in your plans. Just
i.n case you don't, please consider my following suggestion. It seems that
19-1 during heavy traffic the slow down occurs where traffic is merging both on
and off of the highway at the sane point, ref: Coal Cr. Parkway both north
and south bound. If possible, 1 would like to suggest that the exiting traffic
be separated from the merging traffic sanething like I have attempted to
diagram in the accompanying sketch. The traffic accessing Coal Cr. Parkway
from I-90 is separated before the traffic that merges to south bound I-405.
Also use an underpass to keep the accessing Coal Cr.. traffic flowing (no
' traffic lights). A separate through lane on south bound Coal Cr. to by-pass
the first few traffic lights would help too. This should also shorten the
time spent at the traffic lights for those north bound on Coal Cr.. The
traffic exiting to west and east bound I-90 would exit prior to where the
Coal Cr. traffic merges onto north bound I-405.
Another thought: l.s there a possibility to negotiate something with
the Burlington Northern Rail Road to relocate the lake washington bike trail
onto the unused portion of their right of way just east of and parallel to
their tracks between Ripply Lane and Coal Cr. Parkway? BNRR currently leases
portions of the right of way to local residences for gardens so it could
lease to the state too. There are currently only two round trips of slow
moving trains per day. If safety is still a concern a fence could separate
the tracks from trail. The benefits for this trail location are:
19-2 1) Trail/highway separation (less noise) making the trail more enjoyable.
2) Allows more roan for highway improvements.
3) Less trail elevation change.
4) Makes use of unused land.
5) Satety: routes walkers/bikers off of the frontage roads.
' 6) Benefits BNRR by reducing their trackside maintenance on the trail side
of the tracks.
7) Could curb dumping of trash alongside. tracks.
' S) Gives the Dinner Train 1xissengers some pedestrian.,, to wave at.
' Sincerely
William Damm
425-746-5721
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-46
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1-405, SR 169 to 1-90—Renton to Bellevue Project May 2005
Scoping Report 2-47
1
' 2.2 Comments Received at the Public Scoping Meeting
Harry Kodis
' 2619 Jones Avenue NE
Renton, WA
' Comment SM-1
Mr. Kodis wonders how the proposed roadway will affect his property and provided
information about the area, including a wetland to the south and a drainage culvert to the
north. He said that freeway drainage goes directly through a culvert and on to the lake
without any treatment. His concern was the size of the retaining wall that would be
necessary to complete the new construction. It would be a severe visual impact to him,
' restrain his ability to subdivide the property, and create a shadow affect.
Comment SM-2
Resident expressed concern regarding flow of traffic along Lake Washington Boulevard
in the vicinity of Exit 9. This has apparently been improved in the past few years and
motorists use it as a bypass of 1-405 during rush hours to get to Coal Creek Parkway.
Resident wants help for traffic flow in this area and recognize that this will be a major
' impact during construction.
Comment SM-3
' Several residents expressed concerns regarding noise.
106th Avenue (Lake Washington Boulevard) and 20th and Jones (3 people). One
person said WSDOT measured 65dBA on his deck at 36th and Meadow (said that noise
increased after construction)
Comment SM-4
One person expressed concern about the alternatives. Suggested we double-deck the
project, limiting interchanges in an express lane-fashion. Also suggested we add light
rail in the median.
' 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 2-49
3.0 Responses to Comments
1
3.1 Responses to Written Comments
Marjorie Jorgensen ,
Response to Comment 1.1
Comment noted. Information on tree removal for condominium development may be ,
available by contacting the City of Renton's Development Services (425.430.7204) who
most likely approved the development permits.
Response to Comment 1-2 ,
In general, the proposed walls will be limited to structures required to maintain safety,
facilitate construction of the project, and mitigate project effects. The noise impact '
analysis is not yet complete so we have not yet determined the appropriate noise wall
heights, but noise walls will be subject to a stringent consideration process and visual
effects are an important part of that process. Both noise and visual effects will be '
thoroughly addressed in the Renton to Bellevue EA.
George and Joan Fanning '
Response to Comment 2-1
The noise analysis will measure existing noise levels at several locations within the ,
project limits to characterize the existing noise environment. A detailed noise model will
be constructed to evaluate future noise levels, including traffic associated with additional ,
lanes. The noise modeling will extend approximately 500 feet from 1-405, or greater in
cases where noise levels at 500 feet approach the FHWA/WSDOT noise abatement
criteria.
WSDOT noise specialists will analyze noise abatement measures in exterior areas
where future traffic noise levels are predicted to approach or exceed the criteria at noise
sensitive receptors—such as houses, schools, or parks. This analysis will include '
additional abatement in any areas with existing noise berms or barriers where future
noise levels are still predicted to exceed the criteria. The line of sight between 1-405 and
nearby properties will be considered. The noise analysis will include feasibility and '
reasonableness criteria as defined by WSDOT and approved by FHWA.
Response to Comment 2-2
The noise impact analysis is not yet complete so we have not yet determined the ,
appropriate noise wall heights, but noise walls will be subject to a stringent consideration
process and visual effects are an important part of that process. Please see response to
Comment 2-1. '
The quantity of right of way we are legally allowed to acquire is set by law. WSDOT will
acquire only what is needed for the project. ,
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-1 '
Irene Botero
Response to Comment 3-1
Please see response to Comment 2-1.
' Response to Comment 3-2
Comment noted. We will make the appropriate corrections where necessary. Proposed
changes at N 30th will meet current design standards, including provisions for pedestrian
and bicycle safety.
' Jim Veitengruber
Response to Comment 4.1
' Please see response to Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 4-2
The Visual Quality Discipline Report currently being prepared quantifies visual effects,
including how structures will affect the aesthetics. The Renton to Bellevue Project will
include mitigation measures and context-sensitive design to vary the scale of
1 walls/berms and create a pleasant visual setting. Context-sensitive design considers the
elements of mobility, safety, environment, and aesthetics from beginning to end of the
project development process.
' Response to Comment 4-3
WSDOT is currently preparing the Transportation Discipline Report for the Renton to
Bellevue Project, which will quantify traffic volumes in the study area resulting from
' construction of the project.
Bernard Johnston
Response to Comment 5-1
Potential effects of increased traffic were documented in the programmatic EIS (August
2002). The EIS looked at the entire 1-405 Corridor and analyzed the anticipated
increase in traffic and congestion out to the year 2020. From this analysis, WSDOT
' produced a Selected Alternative as documented in the ROD (October 2002). Section
2.2 of the programmatic EIS describes the Selected Alternative as having 150 individual
projects designed to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion as stated in the
' Purpose and Need. The Renton to Bellevue EA, a follow up document to the
programmatic EIS, and the discipline reports being prepared for the project, will discuss
the effects in more detail.
Response to Comment 5-2
WSDOT geologists are currently reviewing all of the existing geotechnical data compiled
through soil boring programs for various projects in the last 30 years. The new Bluffs
' Development, as well as the other recent building developments along Lake Washington
Boulevard in this area, is generally underlain by dense, granular soils with limited areas
of poor soils. In addition, there appears to be no history of deep-seated landslides, only
' shallow slides on steep slopes.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-2
The Geology, Soils and Groundwater Discipline Report currently being prepared will
evaluate the geotechnical characteristics of the project area. This report will specifically
address the potential for landslides and avoidance measures to be undertaken to
prevent them.
Response to Comment 5-3 ,
Thank you for your comment. The 1-605 proposal was a separate transportation study.
The eastside bypass freeway was considered in the screening of alternatives for the
programmatic EIS. The EIS did not carry the bypass alternative forward because it is ,
outside the urban growth area, it would not save rime for north-south travel, it would
have substantial environmental impacts, and the benefits would not outweigh the costs.
The concept that more lanes generate more cars is often referred to as "induced travel."
The programmatic EIS acknowledges that induced travel can occur in response to
improvements in transportation accessibility. However, Section 3.12 of the EIS
concludes that overall effects of induced demand within the Corridor study area would '
be limited. For more information, members of the public can view the EIS on the 1-405
Project website at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1-405/. In addition, the
Transportation Discipline Report will further document the transportation performance of '
the Renton to Bellevue Project.
Response to Comment 5-4
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Federal Highway t
Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Sound Transit, and King
County Department of Transportation partnered to conduct an extensive process of
public and agency involvement to identify ways to improve mobility and transportation in '
the 1-405 Corridor. This nearly four-year process involved identifying travel patterns and
transportation needs, developing alternative solutions, studying their effects, seeking
public and agency comment, and choosing the best alternative. The results of this ,
process are documented in the programmatic EIS and Final Preliminary Section 4(f)
Evaluation issued in June 2002, and ROD dated October 2002. The programmatic EIS
identified ways to improve 1-405 and transit facilities throughout the 30-mile-long 1-405 '
Corridor through the year 2030.
Our goal is to minimize intrusion to the communities and the traveling public while
balancing the cost and duration of the construction activities.
Ahmad Wali Popel
Response to Comment 6-1 '
Please see the response to Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 6-2
The project will improve pedestrian connections at the various interchanges throughout
the project limits.
Response to Comment 6-3 '
Please see the response to Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 6-4 ,
Please see the response to Comment 2-1.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-3 '
1 Brian McCarton
Response to Comment 7-1
' Right of way property acquisitions will be minimized whenever possible. In situations
where additional right of way is needed, property owners will be compensated in
accordance with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. Relocation resources are available,
without discrimination, to anyone who is eligible.
For a discussion of noise wall abatement for noise levels, please see response to
Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 7-2
' Please see response to Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 7-3
Implementation of a physically separated, fixed-guideway high-capacity transit system
such as light rail in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway right of way was
evaluated in the programmatic EIS as part of Alternative 1 (High-Capacity Transit/
Transportation Demand Management [TDM] Emphasis) and Alternative 2 (Mixed Mode
' with High-Capacity Transit/TDM Emphasis). Light rail in the 1-405 Corridor was not
included in the adopted Selected Alternative in the ROD.
The Selected Alternative does include implementation of BRT throughout the 1-405
Corridor. The current Renton to Bellevue Project EA focuses on design refinements to
implement the expansion of 1-405 within the Renton to Bellevue section consistent with
the 1-405 Corridor Program Selected Alternative. The PSRC is conducting a separate
study to evaluate the BNSF right of way for transportation uses.
' Sally and Dave McCray
Response to Comment 8-1
Please see the response to Comment 2-1. WSDOT will mitigate exterior, not indoor
noise levels.
Response to Comment 8-2
WSDOT biologists are currently preparing a Fish and Aquatic Resources Discipline
Report as part of the environmental documentation for the Renton to Bellevue Project.
This report will document existing conditions of the streams, potential construction
effects on them, and avoidance measures to be undertaken to maintain and/or enhance
stream function.
Response to Comment 8.3
Please see the response to Comment 2-1.
Response to Comment 8-4
Please see the response to Comments 2-1 and 4-2.
' 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-4
Response to Comment 8-5 '
You have been added to the project information distribution list. WSDOT employs many
methods to keep the public informed such as maintaining an updated website at
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1-405/, which includes a meeting calendar, project
update, and a document library. You may also contact our public information officer, ,
Colleen Gants, at 425.456.8500 or email her at colleen.gants@i405.wsdot.wa.gov. The
NEPA/SEPA process encourages public involvement and has provisions for public input
throughout the entire project which includes mandated public comment periods at key
project milestones. The Renton to Bellevue EA will be available for public comment prior
to finalizing the environmental process.
City of Renton Planning/Building/Public Works Department
Response to Comment 9.1 ,
Since the scoping meeting in September 2003, the project footprint and project limits
have been revised so that the south on- and off-ramps at SR 169 are now within the
1-405 right of way. WSDOT is working closely with the City of Renton to develop the '
optimum design or mitigation as necessary. In addition, WSDOT geologists are
evaluating the effects of the project on the City of Renton water supply well and
treatment system and will document their findings in the Geology, Soils, and
Groundwater Discipline Report. WSDOT is working with the City of Renton to develop
an appropriate mitigation plan.
Response to Comment 9-2 '
Please see the response to Comment 9-1.
The potential effects from the widening of 1-405 and the alignment of the northbound off- '
ramp to SR 169 will be addressed in the Geology, Soils, and Groundwater Discipline
Report, as well as future environmental documentation for other project improvements in
the area. '
Response to Comment 9.3
Please see the response to Comment 9-1.
Mitigation measures for identified effects to the City of Renton well field will be provided
in the Geology, Soils, and Groundwater Discipline Report and in the Renton to Bellevue
EA. ,
Response to Comment 9-4
WSDOT is preparing the Public Services and Utilities Discipline Report to provide '
additional information and details for a more complete analysis of effects to the City of
Renton's water supply well system.
We created a task force to study issues and make recommendations. These '
recommendations are being confirmed in a Letter of Concurrence between the City and
the State.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-5
Response to Comment 9.5
Effects to groundwater quantity and quality will be identified in the Geology, Soils, and
Groundwater Discipline Report. WSDOT will follow the WAC 246-290-135. See
response to comment 9-4 above.
' Response to Comment 9-6
The proper management and handling of chemicals during construction will be
addressed in the EA. The project construction contractor will be required to meet
applicable rules and regulations designed to protect groundwater aquifers and utility
systems.
Response to Comment 9-7
See revised project footprint.
' Response to Comment 9-8
Conformance to the RMC regulations and standards will be addressed as part of the
drainage design for the project.
Response to Comment 9-9
Please refer to the revised project footprint. The project no longer includes construction
of a bridge over the Cedar River.
Response to Comment 9-10
The Construction Activity Standards for the Aquifer Protection Area (APA), Zones 1 and
2, from the Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-4-030-C7 apply to construction activities
occurring in the Aquifer Protection Area. Compliance with the provisions of these
standards will be ensured through contractor specific SPCC plans required under
' WSDOT Standard Specification Section 1-07.15(1).
Response to Comment 9-11
' Fill source statements will be filed as appropriate.
Response to Comment 9-12
Please refer to the revised project footprint. Project effects on recreational facilities and
mitigation measures will be discussed in the Social Elements and Section 4(f) Discipline
Reports.
Response to Comment 9-13
Please see the response to Comment 2-1.
Effects on recreational facilities and mitigation measures will be discussed in the Social
Elements and Section 4(f) Discipline Reports. In addition, a noise analysis is being
performed as part of the project environmental analysis and noise mitigation measures—
including noise walls—will be considered.
Response to Comment 9-14
Noise and air quality effects will be analyzed in the project environmental analysis and in
the discipline reports being prepared for the project.
' 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-6
Response to Comment 9.15
Please refer to the revised project footprint. These issues are beyond the scope of
environmental review for this project, but will be evaluated in the 1-5 to SR 169
Implementation Plan EA, when funded.
Response to Comment 9.16 ,
Comment noted. Air quality effects (including particulate matter) will be addressed in the
Air Quality Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 9.17
WSDOT will avoid displacing the maintenance facilities if at all possible. Any effects on
park maintenance facilities will be mitigated per required by existing rules and
regulations, as evaluated in the Renton to Bellevue Section 4(f) Report.
Response to Comment 9-18 ,
The proposed project accommodates the proposed park access modifications as part of
the City of Renton project "SR-169, RENTON HOV Queue-Jump." The existing access
to Cedar River Park from the west (Houser Way) will be maintained.
Response to Comment 9-19
Please see the response to Comment 9-15.
Response to Comment 9-20
The effects of shade on plant and turf growth in recreational areas, as well as proposed
measures to avoid effects will be addressed in the Section 4(f) Discipline Report and
Wildlife and Vegetation Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 9-21 '
Any effects or damages due to the project construction will be mitigated. WSDOT and/or
its contractor will prepare and implement an upland revegetation plan for the proposed
project specifying planting procedures, plant species to be used, revegetation locations, ,
and success criteria.
Response to Comment 9-22
Prior to construction activities licensed WSDOT landscape architects will conduct a tree
survey to locate significant trees to be avoided and/or mitigated for to compensate
potential loss, according to local tree ordinances. The tree survey report will identify tree
locations, specify procedures for avoidance or removal, establish compensation values,
and/or recommend replacement requirements. The landscape architect will determine if
the services of a certified arborist are required.
Response to Comment 9-23
Please see the response to Comment 9-22. '
Response to Comment 9-24
Please see the response to Comment 9-22.
Response to Comment 9.25 ,
The City of Renton's request for a licensed landscape contractor will be incorporated into
the upland revegetation plan to be prepared for the project. ,
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-7 ,
Response to Comment 9-26
Effects on recreational facilities and mitigation measures will be discussed in the Social
Elements and Section 4(f) Discipline Reports.
Response to Comment 9-27
The proposed project accommodates the proposed park access modifications as part of
the City of Renton project "SR-169, RENTON HOV Queue-Jump." The design has been
modified to avoid impacting the wall being proposed in the Renton to Bellevue project.
Any unavoidable effects or damages due to project construction will be mitigated.
Response to Comment 9-28
The Renton to Bellevue Project and the 1-405 Corridor Program will implement Context-
sensitive Solutions to develop the architectural treatments of the various components of
the project and of the program. Context-sensitive Solutions considers the elements of
' mobility, safety, environment, and aesthetics from beginning to end of the project
development process. One of the key goals of the design approach is to include the
community and the local agencies in developing the project and program architectural
goals and features. Noise walls constructed will meet design criteria established for the
corridor noise walls.
Response to Comment 9-29
Comment noted. As detailed in the Renton to Bellevue Public Services and Utilities
Discipline Report, a transportation management plan will be implemented and
coordinated with all emergency services organizations prior to any construction and
detour routes will be provided with signs if periods of closure are needed.
In addition, WSDOT will comply with City road and bicycle access standards.
' Response to Comment 9-30
Please see the response to Comment 9-15.
Response to Comment 9.31
Please see the response to Comment 9-15.
Response to Comment 9.32
Please refer to the revised project footprint. The trees are outside the scope of this
project.
Response to Comment 9-33
Please refer to the revised project footprint. The oak trees are outside the scope of this
project.
Response to Comment 9.34
0.
Please see the response to Comment 9-22. The oak trees located on Bronson Way will
be assessed in the survey.
Response to Comment 9.35
Please see the response to Comment 9-24.
' 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-8
Response to Comment 9-36 ,
Please see the response to Comment 9-25.
Response to Comment 9-37
Please see the response to Comment 9-26.
Response to Comment 9-38
Please refer to the revised project footprint. The skate park is outside the scope of this '
project.
Response to Comment 9-39
Please refer to the response to comment 9-28.
Response to Comment 9.40
Effects to parks and similar facilities will be avoided wherever possible and all ,
unavoidable effects will be mitigated. The current effort to identify these effects and the
possible mitigation measures will be addressed in the Renton to Bellevue EA.
Response to Comment 9-41
Please see the response to Comment 9-40.
Response to Comment 9-42 ,
Any effects or damages due to project construction will be mitigated. WSDOT will
prepare and implement an upland revegetation plan for the proposed project specifying '
planting procedures, plant species to be used, revegetation locations, and success
criteria.
Response to Comment 9-43 '
WSDOT noise specialists are analyzing existing and predicted noise levels to assess
how the project is changing the noise characteristics of the project area. WSDOT will
then develop mitigation measures. ,
Response to Comment 9-44
Please refer to the revised project description.
Response to Comment 9-45
Please see the response to Comment 9-40.
Response to Comment 9-46
Comment noted.
Response to Comment 9-47
WSDOT's 2004 Highway Runoff Manual will be the principal design guide for stormwater '
management. The Renton to Bellevue EA will discuss the following: the existing
drainage system, proposed design standards for the stormwater detention and treatment
facilities, the potential effects to the city's drainage system due changes in surface
runoff, and any potential mitigation measures for identified effects to the city's drainage
system.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-9 ,
Response to Comment 9-48
Wetland losses will be qualitatively addressed in the Wetlands Discipline Report.
Wetlands and jurisdictional waters will be identified and addressed prior to
implementation of the proposed project. All applicable federal, state, and local
environmental laws and regulations will be applied to the proposed project to minimize
potential effects to jurisdictional and wetland resources.
Response to Comment 9-49
' Please see the response to Comment 9-48.
Effects to and potential mitigation measures for riparian habitats, stream buffers and fish
passage issues in the project area will be analyzed in the Fish and Aquatic Resources
and Wetland Discipline Reports.
Response to Comment 9.50
Please see the response to Comment 9-48. The Fish and Aquatic Resources Discipline
Report will address the effects of replacing the existing crossing structure.
Response to Comment 9-51
Comment noted.
Response to Comment 9.52
Comment noted. The pedestrian bridge that you are referring to will not be affected by
the project. Therefore no improvements to the bridge are proposed as part of the
project.
Response to Comment 9-53
' Stormwater is a major concern for any roadway project and will be investigated as part
of the environmental assessment process. WSDOT will adhere to the WSDOT 2004
Highway Runoff Manual and provide flow control and runoff treatment for 100% of the
new impervious surface.
Response to Comment 9-54
WSDOT will closely coordinate with the City of Renton as the project designs and
agreements develop. However in general, relocation or replacement of pipelines or
structures by WSDOT for the highway project is usually limited to the city system's
existing sizes and quality, or to the minimum sizes required by analysis. If the city
desires to upgrade to a higher quality, size, or type for its own benefit, the extra cost
would typically be the responsibility of the city.
Response to Comment 9-55
WSDOT performed a detailed off-site and cross-drainage analysis. In particular, for the
area between the Cedar River to north of NE Park Drive, WSDOT is coordinating
drainage design and improvements for both the highway and city drainage systems with
a new outfall to Johns Creek (backwater channel area to Lake Washington) closely with
the City's drainage department and parks department (for the outlet area). Consensus
' has been reached for the 1-405 design and a Letter of Concurrence is being prepared.
1 1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-10
Response to Comment 9-56
The proposed project will comply with all currently adopted shoreline regulations, as
appropriate.
Response to Comment 9-57
Traffic effects will be evaluated in the Transportation Discipline Report and the Renton to
Bellevue EA.
Response to Comment 9-58 ,
Traffic effects will be evaluated in the Transportation Discipline Report and the Renton to
Bellevue EA.
Response to Comment 9-59
Please see the response to Comment 9-57. Project effects on businesses will also be
addressed in the Economics Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 9-60
WSDOT is reviewing bikeways and pedestrian connections for continuity, safety, and
logical flow between destinations, as detailed in the Transportation Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 9-61
Please see the response to Comment 9-57.
Response to Comment 9-62
The current Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) land use data will be used in the r
Transportation Discipline Report. Since the scoping meeting, a sensitivity analysis was
conducted on the change in traffic operations between PSRC's model and the City
Renton's planned redevelopment. The sensitivity analysis results will be discussed in
the Transportation Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 9-63
Please refer to the response to Comment 9-62.
Response to Comment 9-64
Please refer to the response to Comment 9-62.
Response to Comment 9-65 ,
Additional evaluation of the merits and effects of Sunset Boulevard going under or over
1-405 has been performed. The result of this evaluation is currently reflected in our
preliminary design layouts which show Sunset Blvd. going under 1-405. The '
Transportation Discipline Report will evaluate the changes in traffic associated with the
new configuration.
Response to Comment 9-66
Cedar Avenue South and Renton Avenue South are beyond the limits of the Renton to
Bellevue Project. This location is part of the South Renton Implementation Plan Project
and will be addressed during environmental review for that project.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-11
' Response to Comment 9-67
Comment noted. The published realignment of Houser Way was preliminary and the
result of a design charette conducted by WSDOT. The WSDOT design team is currently
evaluating options for the realignment of Houser Way and Sunset Boulevard.
' There is impact to the PACCAR property in order to accommodate the proposed HOV
Direct Access at N 8th Street. WSDOT is currently evaluating the structural portion of
the ramp to determine if it is possible to minimize the impact to the PACCAR property.
' Response to Comment 9-68
Comment noted.
Response to Comment 9-69
Comment noted.
Response to Comment 9-70
Comment noted.
Response to Comment 9-71
The design team has considered this and has determined that the current design will
accommodate projected traffic.
Response to Comment 9-72
The past design, Port Quendall Project, of the NE 44th Street interchange did show a
1 loop ramp. The loop ramp was included to mitigate the existing conditions at that time
and the design had to match the existing 1-405 roadway. The WSDOT design team has
considered this and has determined that the current design will accommodate projected
traffic.
Response to Comment 9-73
Thank you for all of your comment.
City of Newcastle
Response to Comment 10-1
The Geology, Soils, and Groundwater Discipline Report currently being prepared for the
Renton to Bellevue Project will analyze existing slope conditions above 1-405 in the
vicinity of Newcastle, identify landslide hazard areas and provide proper mitigation to
address the effects.
Response to Comment 10.2
The effect of project construction and operation on Newcastle arterials and pedestrian
safety, as well as measures to avoid effects will be assessed in the Transportation
Discipline Report. Some details of construction traffic mitigation will be refined during
the final design phase.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-12
Response to Comment 10.3
WSDOT will endeavor to minimize the amount of property acquisition for the project.
Until right of way funding becomes available, WSDOT can not begin the property
acquisition process.
Kennydale Neighborhood Association ,
Response to Comment 11-1 ,
Your comments are much appreciated and all potential effects of the project will be
thoroughly addressed in the Renton to Bellevue EA and in the discipline reports being
prepared for the project.
Response to Comment 11-2
Please see the response to Comment 2-1. '
Response to Comment 11-3
The NE 30th Street and NE 44th Street overcrossings will meet city standards for bike
and pedestrian crossings. Effects to neighborhood cohesion will be addressed in the
Social Elements Discipline Report and the Renton to Bellevue EA.
Regarding architectural elements, the WSDOT design team has conducted design
workshops as part of our "Context Sensitive Solutions" approach to the architectural
elements of the projects. These workshops will incorporate suggestions from your
neighbors and yourself. Context-sensitive solutions consider the elements of mobility, '
safety, environment, and aesthetics from beginning to end of the project development
process
Response to Comment 11.4 ,
Pedestrian safety will be analyzed as part of the Transportation Discipline Report, which
will identify provisions to maintain or enhance the current level of safety.
Response to Comment 11-5
Please see the response to Comment 11-3.
Response to Comment 11-6
Please see the response to Comment 7-3.
Response to Comment 11-7
WSDOT is refining the project design to minimize acquisition of right of way. The '
alternatives analysis will include a comparison of residential and commercial property
acquisition.
Response to Comment 11-8 '
The Transportation Discipline Report will discuss measures to minimize construction
traffic effects. Air and noise concerns will be addressed in the Air Quality and Noise
Discipline Reports. ,
Response to Comment 11-9
Economic effects of the project will be discussed in the Economics Discipline Report. ,
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-13
' Response to Comment 11-10
Effects to fisheries, water quality, and air quality will be addressed in the Renton to
Bellevue EA and in the discipline reports being prepared for the project.
Transportation Choices Coalition
Response to Comment 12.1
' The programmatic EIS did reevaluate the Preferred Alternative identified in November
2001 in response to specific comments and suggestions received from the
Transportation Choices Coalition and others. This is documented in the programmatic
EIS and Final Preliminary Section 4(f) Evaluation issued in June 2002, and the ROD
dated October 2002. Copies of both of these documents are available on the 1-405
Project website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1-405/.
Response to Comment 12-2
The current Renton to Bellevue Project focuses on design refinements to implement the
proposed transportation improvement projects within the Renton to Bellevue section
consistent with the programmatic EIS Selected Alternative. Both the programmatic EIS
and the ROD fully disclose that the level and timing of funding is not certain because it
depends on legislative actions. WSDOT committed in the ROD to develop a range of
implementation concepts for the Selected Alternative that reflects funding possibilities.
This has been accomplished with participation by the Federal Highway Administration
' (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the 1-405 Executive Committee, local
jurisdictions, and the public. The WSDOT, FHWA, FTA, and the 1-405 Executive
Committee believe the proposed Renton to Bellevue Project is a reasonable and prudent
implementation proposal in response to this uncertainty in funding. Development and
consideration of alternatives to the adopted Selected Alternative are not required under
the current circumstances and are outside the scope of this EA.
Response to Comment 12-3
Please see responses to Comments 12-1 and 12-2. The reasons for not selecting
"Alternative Five" are documented in the programmatic EIS and Final Preliminary
' Section 4(f) Evaluation issued (June 2002) and ROD (October 2002). Copies of both of
these documents are available on the 1-405 Project website at
www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/1-405/.
Response to Comment 12.4
Please see the responses to Comments 12-1 and 12-2.
Circumstances have not changed to a substantial degree since adoption of the Selected
Alternative in the October 2002 ROD. Changes that have occurred do not rise to the
level to warrant reconsideration of the Selected Alternative, and no new information has
been developed or identified that would suggest a significant change in the level of
anticipated effects identified for the Selected Alternative. Prior comments, including
those received during the scoping process, are being considered in the design
refinements and implementation proposals for the Renton to Bellevue Project.
Response to Comment 12-5
Please see the responses to Comments 12-1, 12-2, and 12-4.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-14
Implementation of a physically separated, fixed-guideway high-capacity transits stem '
P P Y Y P g Y 9 Y Y
such as light rail in the BNSF Railroad right of way was evaluated in the programmatic
EIS as part of Alternative 1 High-Capacity Transit/TDM Emphasis and Alternative 2
Mixed Mode with High-Capacity Transit/TDM Emphasis.
The proposed 1-405 freeway design does allow for future expansion of managed lanes ,
operation potentially including high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or congestion pricing.
WSDOT has and will continue to investigate the benefits of HOT lanes in the 1-405
Corridor. ,
Response to Comment 12.6
i. During the Corridor EIS development phase, a 100 percent increase in local
transit service compared to the King County's Fall 2001 proposed 6-year plan ,
was introduced as part of the alternatives. Then, during the evaluation phase of
the alternatives, King County, Sound Transit, and Community Transit adopted
revised transit plans with increased service, so that the level proposed in the ,
Corridor EIS dropped to only 50 percent higher than the newly adopted plans.
Finally, during development of the Preferred Alternative, which became the
Selected Alternative, it was proposed that local transit service would be
increased further to an "up to 75 percent increase" compared to the adopted
transit plans. Unfortunately, some of our project material indicates "up to 50
percent increase" which is in error and will be fixed to correctly illustrate the ,
commitment made in the ROD. The project analysis does include an increase in
local transit services in addition to Bus Rapid Transit being implemented in the
corridor. The increase in local transit services was coordinated with the local
transit providers who are responsible for the additional service.
ii. The freeway performance is based on the existing HOV lanes on 1-405 going to a
3+ occupancy requirement. This is consistent with WSDOT's HOV Policy, the
Corridor EIS and the ROD.
iii. The defined TDM program in the Corridor EIS and the ROD was estimated to ,
cost $72.8M. The I_405 Implementation Plan has a budget of $43M for TDM,
which is 60 percent of the total TDM program. ,
Response to Comment 12.7
The cumulative effects of the Renton to Bellevue Project will be addressed in the Renton
to Bellevue EA and in the Cumulative Effects Analysis Discipline Report being prepared
for the project. Regional cumulative and secondary effects resulting from the 1-405
Corridor alternatives were also examined in the programmatic EIS.
Scott Kaseburg
Response to Comment 13.1
Thank you for your offer to host a noise monitoring site.
Response to Comment 13-2 '
A letter and an aerial map of his property with the proposed design were sent to Mr.
Kaseburg on October 17, 2003. Please note that WSDOT is continuously refining the
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-15
project design and that the design you receive may change as a result of the EA
evaluation and comments and as we develop, identify, and collect additional design
information.
Response to Comment 13-3
Please see the response to Comments 13-1 and 13-2.
Not all of the proposed walls were displayed in the plan layouts presented at the public
meeting. We will be showing proposed wall locations at a future open house.
Suggested mitigation for project effects on freshwater springs, noise levels, and visual
quality will be addressed in the respective project EA discipline reports: Fish and Aquatic
Resources, Noise, and Visual Quality.
King County Office of Regional Transportation Planning
Response to Comment 14.1
The Fish and Aquatic Resources and Water Quality Discipline Reports being prepared
for the Renton to Bellevue Project EA will identify and evaluate potential effects to major
and minor surface and subsurface drainage systems in the project area.
Response to Comment 14-2
The stormwater management approach and facilities will be described in the Renton to
Bellevue EA.
Response to Comment 14-3
Potential water quality effects will be quantified for conventional parameters (select
nutrients and metals). The potential increase in petroleum products will be discussed in
the Water Quality Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 14-4
Potential effects from hazardous material will be identified and mitigation measures
identified in the Hazardous Materials Discipline Report. Effects on groundwater will be
discussed in the Geology/Soils/Groundwater Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 14-5
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)will be conducted on any property where there is a
potential risk of hazardous materials contamination prior to acquisition. Potential effects
from hazardous material will be assessed and avoidance measures identified in the
Hazardous Materials Discipline Report.
' Response to Comment 14-6
WSDOT will prepare discipline reports that analyze separate environmental elements.
These reports will provide adequate detailed information regarding the project's potential
effects.
Response to Comment 14.7
The Renton to Bellevue Project is being designed as a stand alone project with the
anticipation of sufficient funds. If the project is constructed in increments, the need for
EA re-evaluations, supplements, and/or addenda will be assessed at that time.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-16
Response to Comment 14-8
Effects due to construction will be evaluated in each discipline report and in the EA. A
Traffic Management Plan will be developed to manage transit and emergency vehicle
flow through construction zones. WSDOT will also stage construction to minimize the
need for lane closures.
WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee '
Response to Comment 15-1
The Lake Washington Loop Trail will be reconstructed in the vicinity of Coal Creek ,
Parkway and NE 44`h Street. The continuity of the trail system will be maintained. The
trail will be temporarily affected during construction. Detours will be required to ensure
the safe passage of bicyclists and pedestrians.
Stephen Harlan 1
Response to Comment 16-1
The existing freeway on-ramp from Sunset Boulevard will be eliminated.
For a discussion of minimizing project noise effects, please see the response to
Comment 2-1.
Two general purpose lanes will be added in each direction within the existing right of
way where possible. Although most of the widening will occur to the west in the
Grandey Way area, total avoidance of Grandey Way is not possible. Thus, a portion of
Grandey Way will be impacted by the widening and will result in the relocation of some
residents.
WSDOT currently has the preliminary design layouts available that shows existing
features such as roads and houses. The "exact'—if you mean final—design, will not be
available until construction funds become available and a design-build contractor is
selected to advance the project through the final design and construction phases. (A
letter and vicinity map were sent to Mr. Harlan on October 17, 2003).
James Loring
Response to Comment 17-1
WSDOT is conducting project-level evaluations of potential adverse effects on historic '
and cultural resources as part of its NEPA process for the Renton to Bellevue Project.
This will include addressing the issues identified in the programmatic EIS and Section
4(f) Evaluation, which provided a corridor-wide, big picture review of potential adverse
effects.
Please note that the programmatic EIS did address potential effects that were
appropriate for review at the corridor level, and WSDOT proposed the necessary
mitigation measures to ensure that anticipated effects did not rise to a level of
significance. As provided for in the ROD dated October 2002, the current project-level
NEPA review and documentation focuses on site-specific details.
1-405. SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-17
1
The project-level research and investigations are being conducted in accordance with
regulations governing implementation of Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (36 CFR 800). All sections of the project's area of potential effects
(APE) are being investigated for areas with a high potential for archaeological resources
using surveys and other field investigation techniques. Architectural resources are being
investigated within an APE that includes buildings adjacent to the existing transportation
facilities. Within this area all buildings more than fifty years of age will be surveyed and
evaluated for their potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places.
Finally, WSDOT is eager to respond to all inquiries pertaining to the 1-405 Corridor
improvements. WSDOT and its partners have continued the extensive public
' involvement process that was initiated with the programmatic EIS, carrying it forward into
the Renton to Bellevue environmental review. We are unaware of any inquiries that
have gone without a response. If you have questions to which WSDOT has not
responded, we invite and request that you resubmit them to Colleen Gants, 1-405 Public
Information officer, so that they may be addressed in a timely manner.
Response to Comment 17-2
WSDOT will comply with the requirements of 36 CFR 800. This is continuing through
the NEPA process, studies, and environmental documentation now being conducted for
the Renton to Bellevue Project. This environmental process must be completed, and the
numerous environmental permits and project approvals must be secured before WSDOT
initiates project construction.
All previously recorded archaeological and historic sites have been identified. Research
and surveys are being conducted to discover any previously unknown sites. In addition,
WSDOT has conducted more detailed ethnographic research to identify Traditional
Cultural Places and facilitate Tribal consultation. Potential effects on all sites will be
evaluated and adverse effects upon National Register-eligible sites will be mitigated, as
required by 36 CFR 800.
Response to Comment 17-3
WSDOT is required by 36 CFR 800 to avoid or mitigate any adverse effects to National
Register-listed or eligible cultural resources. Mitigation measures for archaeological and
historic resources may include avoidance, monitoring, data recovery, or a combination of
these methods. In addition, WSDOT will continue to abide by its commitments and
conditions identified in the ROD dated October 2002.
Response to Comment 17.4
WSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are committed to conducting
appropriate environmental review and preparing the necessary documentation under
NEPA and SEPA. At this time, WSDOT and FHWA do not expect that an EIS will be
prepared for the Renton to Bellevue Project because its effects are not expected to
approach a level of significance that would trigger the need for an EIS.
Whatever the level of environmental documentation, the Renton to Bellevue Project will
incorporate by reference the programmatic EIS and Section 4(f) Evaluation issued in
June 2002, and the ROD dated October 2002. This will help make clear that issues
identified in the EIS are carried forward and addressed appropriately within the Renton
to Bellevue section at the project level. It will also help to ensure that commitments
specified in the ROD are incorporated as they apply to the Renton to Bellevue Project.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-18
i
Allan Blackman
Response to Comment 18.1
Double-decking the interstate was evaluated in the programmatic EIS, and this
alternative was not advanced because of the high cost associated with constructing such
a structure in combination with its environmental effects.
Response to Comment 18-2 '
Please see the response to Comment 15-1.
Response to Comment 18-3
Streams will be evaluated for the potential of fish presence and results will be
documented in the Fish and Aquatic Resources Discipline Report.
Response to Comment 18-4
WSDOT is designing the project to minimize acquisition of new right of way. The current
design in the immediate vicinity of Newcastle Beach Park shifts the alignment to the
east, so there should not be any need to acquire new right of way on the west side.
Response to Comment 18-5 '
Please refer to the response to Comment 18-4.
Response to Comment 18-6
Comment noted. r
William Damm
Response to Comment 19-1
The area between 1-90 and Coal Creek Parkway is very congested. After reviewing
several alternatives for this area, WSDOT has concluded that braided ramps would
eliminate the weaving and merging between 1-90/1-405 and Coal Creek traffic. The
braided ramp layout would be similar to the one in your sketch.
WSDOT has also reviewed alternatives for the Coal Creek Parkway/1-405 interchange,
specifically the southbound 1-405 to eastbound Coal Creek movement. We have
concluded that a direct connection, as shown in the sketch, is not a feasible alternative.
Please refer to the Project Description for a more detailed discussion of the proposed
improvements.
Response to Comment 19.2
Portions of the Lake Washington Loop Trail will be reconstructed and realigned. See the
response to comment 15-1 for further detail. There are no plans to relocate the trail onto
the railroad right of way.
r
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-19 ,
1
3.2 Comments Received at the Sco in Meeting
p 9 9
Harry Kodis
Response to Comment SM-1
The proposed retaining wall is a cut wall below existing ground level and would therefore
not affect the view from this address on Jones Ave. Ongoing noise analysis and
development of the proposed noise mitigation will determine the height of the
replacement noise wall if proposed.
Culvert conditions noted. Drainage from 1-405 will be captured and treated prior to
release. This includes retrofitting the existing roadway in many areas.
Response to Comment SM-2
Construction of the Renton to Bellevue project will be staged to ensure that traffic
' capacity will be maintained. Effects on arterials roads will be analyzed in the
Transportation Discipline Report. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed to help
minimize disruptions during construction.
Response to Comment SM-3
Locations of high noise levels listed by concerned persons have been forwarded to the
consultant conducting the noise analysis for the Noise Discipline Report.
Response to Comment SM-4
Please see the response to Comment 5-4.
r
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 3-20
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4.0 Agency Scoping Meeting Minutes
[Note: Since the scoping meeting, the project footprint and project limits have been
revised. In addition, the name of the project has been changed from the North Renton
Project to the Renton to Bellevue Project. The meeting minutes below represent what
was said at the meeting. Therefore, some of the responses below contain obsolete
information or are now beyond the scope of the project. Outdated information in the
following meeting minutes is indicated with an underline. For updated project
information, please refer to Section 1.4 of this report.]
4.1 Welcome and Meeting Objective (Christina
Martinez) j
The objective of the agency scoping meeting is to present the Renton to Bellevue
Project to agencies with jurisdiction and to identify local concerns and issues. Issues '
identified at these meetings will be incorporated into the environmental and design
processes. Public concerns and issues will be identified later in the day at a public
scoping meeting at Kennydale Elementary School. Information gathered during this ,
process will be documented in a Scoping Report.
4.2 Introductions (Christina Martinez)
Christina introduced the Environmental Management Team Members (EMT) including
herself, Keith McGowan, Ed Murray, and Tracey McKenzie. The EMT is responsible for
the environmental analyses for the project. Christina also introduced the Contract
Manager for the Renton to Bellevue Project, Roland Benito', who is responsible for the
project. The EMT and the Contract Manager will work closely together to ensure that the
project design meets the overall purpose and need as well as minimizes effects to the '
environment.
.4.3 Selected Alternative Refinement (Roland Benito)
All attendees received an environmental overview and aerial maps with the Renton to i
Bellevue design overlay. The environmental overview summarizes the known
environmental issues for the Renton to Bellevue Project area. This information was
largely developed as part of the programmatic EIS. The aerial maps with the Renton to
Bellevue design overlay are intended to be used as a starting point for discussions
regarding the environmental issues. Although these plans are a starting point, it's
important to keep in mind that an extensive screening process was undertaken in order
to arrive at that point. WSDOT conducted a series of design charettes with the intent of
designing around known environmental constraints. This was an internal process used
to get where we are now. As part of this process, the Selected Alternative contained in ,
the programmatic EIS was refined.
The programmatic EIS yielded the Selected Alternative, which is a multi-modal system of
approximately 150 projects advanced from the more than 300 individual projects
comprising the alternatives studied in the programmatic EIS.
We are now conducting the project-level NEPA environmental review necessary to
advance implementation of the Selected Alternative. We have identified four geographic
' John Donatelli is the current contract manager.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-1
sections within which to conduct the project-level evaluations. Our focus today is
Renton to Bellevue, extending from approximately SR 169 near the Cedar River in
Renton, north to 1-90 in Bellevue. This section lies within the cities of Renton,
Newcastle, and Bellevue as well as a small portion of King County.
The Selected Alternative was a big picture look at the Corridor in its entirety. Splitting
the Corridor into sections allows us to take a closer look at the local area concerns and
issues. Charettes were conducted in order to refine the design of each section. Many
options were evaluated based on following criteria:
r • Integrating goals, issues, and constraints expressed by the public, local
jurisdictions, or other agencies
• Achieving project objectives and implementing the Record of Decision
• Minimizing environmental effects
Experts in interchange, roadway, and stormwater were consulted to evaluate nine
options based on the above criteria.
Widening options to the east, to the west, and symmetrically were evaluated along with
many interchange types. A Best Fit option was eliminated as a result of the charettes.
The Best Fit option included a combination of all the widening options. In some areas
the roadway would be widened to the west and others to the east or symmetrically.
Widening in this fashion limits right of way acquisitions as well as natural resource
effects.
We are now in the process of refining this Best Fit option and the design you have is just
a starting place to give us something to talk about.
4.4 Design/Build (Roland Benito)
The Renton to Bellevue Project will be a Design/Build effort. It is critical that we have
the resource agency support. This project will be different than the typical design-bid-
build efforts in that we will be completing a lower level of design before handing it off to a
' contractor to finish the design and build the project. There are great benefits in terms of
schedule. We are going to rely on the experts from the construction industry to come up
with the final design and construction methods for this project.
The plan is to provide enough design to be able to answer all the questions that the
resource agencies may have. Once they are satisfied we will involve the construction
experts. We will provide agencies with all the information they normally receive, but we
expect the pace to be different. Will the agencies really need 100% design in order to
support their decisions? If not, we want to leave some design room for the construction
industry so that they can use their knowledge to come up with innovative techniques that
' will expedite the construction schedule. We want to clear an envelope so that the design
builder can take it and use their expertise to implement the project.
We will be holding a Design/Build Education program and we would like you to
participate. It will help all of us understand what Design/Build is all about. We will be
contacting you.
1-405 SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-2
i
4.5 Environmental Assessment (Keith McGowan)
r
The programmatic EIS provided the foundation on which the project-level EIS will build. '
The basis for this is documented in the ROD. The project-level analysis will be based on
design details, which include:
• limits of right of way
• edge of pavement
• toe of slope, including walls
• walls, including retaining walls and noise walls
• stormwater facilities, technologies and locations
• staging area locations - to the extent known
• stream crossing types and span length
• changes in impervious surfaces
• construction duration, methods and phasing project descriptions - to the extent
known.
The EA might look different than what we are accustomed to. It is going to be more
"reader friendly" and we plan to have it formatted in a Question and Answer fashion.
Discipline reports are being prepared and will provide all the technical information in
support of the EA. The discipline reports will be incorporated by reference.
We plan to complete the discipline reports by the fall and issue the EA in the winter of
2005, at which time we will hold a public hearing.
It's expected that the EA will lead to a FONSI. We are confident in taking this approach
and we have made extensive progress through the charette efforts in avoiding and
reducing effects.
4.6 Cooperating Agencies (Christina Martinez) '
Regardless of whether agencies become formal "cooperating" agencies, we will be
working in cooperation. Once the discipline reports are completed they will be available
for agencies review, although formal comments are not anticipated.
4.7 Permitting Approach (Tracey McKenzie)
The first step in the permitting approach will be to identify all permits. The next step will r
be to designate whether WSDOT will obtain the permit or if it is more appropriate for the
design-builder to obtain the permit. ,
Based on information contained in the discipline reports, a regulatory analysis will be
conducted as part of the environmental review process. The analysis will be part of the
EA or as an Appendix or a chapter.
We expect to prepare draft permit applications before issuance of the Final EA.
4.8 Discussion (Roland Benito) '
Roland Benito presented the project design as agencies referred to the aerial maps.
The table summarizes the main points of discussion with the agencies:
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-3 '
Southern Pro'ect Limits
1 The project begins at the Cedar River; however the plan sheets show more to ensure
that the project will fit in with the South Renton Implementation Plan section.
Are the two bridges that provide access to Renton Hill a part of the project? (City
of Renton)
Renton Hill access is not part of the Renton to Bellevue project. The two crossings
1 will be addressed as part of the South Renton Implementation Plan project. At this
point we can tell you that there is a commitment for maintaining two access locations
to the Renton Hill Neighborhood.
1-405/SR 169
• Reconstruct the SR-169 interchange to a split diamond configuration including
North 3rd Street
• Reconstruct the northbound off- and southbound on-ramps from 1-405 to SR 169
• Provide a southbound 1-405 to southbound SR 169 direct connection ramp and a
northbound SR 169 to NB 1-405 direct connection ramp.
The decision about whether to recommend these ramps as part of the Renton to
Bellevue project will be evaluated further based on the results of additional traffic
modeling.
How many feet will the project encroach into Liberty Park? (Parks Department,
City of Renton)
As shown on sheet 1 of 8 of the preliminary plans (in the Renton to Bellevue project
Overview binder), Houser Way would be realigned lust to the west of its current
location and end in a cul-de-sac just to the south of Bronson Way. This may affect
park parking and a sliver of the park property at the northeast corner. The number of
square feet of impact has not yet been calculated.
' Parking at the parks is an issue (Parks Department, City of Renton)
The parks department expressed concern with regard to park encroachment.
Parking is a major issue at both parks. There will be parking effects at Liberty Park
near the ball field. Houser Way is wide and if it becomes a cul-de-sac, we could use
some of it to replace the park property effects. The plan is to cul-de-sac Houser
Way. Houser Way is currently one-way to the north. Changes in this area will
depend on negotiations with the BNSF Railway representatives. The railroad has
100-feet of right of way.
Will there be any Cedar River parkland take at the landing of the direct access
connection ramps? (Parks Department, City of Renton)
There are issues with the flyover ramps near the Cedar River Park. The idea is to
build columns and cantilever the ramps over SR 169 — property acquisitions would
be minimized but there may be some shadow effects. This is something that needs
to be coordinated with the Renton Parks Department
Will Cedar River clear span allow for a trail? (Parks Department, City of Renton)
The goal here is to clear span almost all water crossings. If piers are in the water we
1 will consider removing them. The goal is to clear span Cedar River and keep
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-4
enough land area for the trail. There's lots of stuff underneath the bridge and there is
a need for maintenance access, access to a new Sports Complex to be built, and
access for the trailhead. Both the road and the trail are critical.
What are the avoidance alternatives for park effects? (FHWA)
When the Proposed Action affects a park you must look at an avoidance option. A
stacking option has been identified and will be evaluated as an avoidance
alternative.
Other issues
The mainline in this area is constrained by the two parks. The goal was to minimize
effects by widening to the west. We will be talking to BNSF Railway representatives to
determine the feasibility of realigning the tracks.
In addition there are water supply facilities on both sides of 405. There are existing
buildings right next to the ramp at Cedar Park. Options are to avoid or rebuild. We are
aware that 80% of the facility is underground. The area is a Sole Source Aquifer. City of
Renton is not in favor of relocating wells. The permitting itself can take up to 5 to 10
years. Also the relocated wells must be in operation for a certain amount of time before
you can begin construction. Our planning level design indicates that the freeway
off-ramp could be built above the wells. However, traffic operations would be
compromised since the ramp must come back down to SR 169.
North 3rd Street
• Construct new NB on- and SB off-ramps from 1-405 to North 3rd Street to replace
the existing movements that occur at Sunset Boulevard (SR 900)
• Provide HOV bypass on the on-ramps
• Reconstruct the bridge structures
• Construct one-way frontage roads NB and SB between SR 169 and North 3rd
Street
1-405/Sunset Boulevard
• Reconfigure Sunset Boulevard (SR 900) to an overcrossing with no ramps to and
from 1-405. Sunset Boulevard will cross over 1-405 and connect as a new
roadway to Garden Avenue west of 1-405.
There are several issues related to the reconfiguration of Sunset Boulevard (SR-900).
It's important to minimize effects to businesses: they are so close and not a lot of room.
Paccar property has potential hazardous waste issues. Don't want an at-grade crossing
at the RR so going underneath 1-405 does not work. Paccar has development plans.
Why can't Sunset Boulevard connect to the local street system to the south of the
current design? (City of Renton)
If we make a southern turn we will need to reevaluate. If Sunset Boulevard stays
connected to the local street system, then the traffic problems remain. This is an
option however and will be negotiated with the City.
1-405 SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-5
North 8th Street
• Provide a direct access HOV ramp in the 1-405 mainline at North 8th Street. This
provision will provide north and south transit/HOV access from 1-405 to the west
at 8th Street.
Will the Renton to Bellevue design fully cover the Sound Transit Project at North
8th Street(FTA)?
Yes, the provisions for a direct access HOV ramp at North 8th Street will be covered
under this EA. This is a Sound Transit project and integrating it into the 1-405 project will
save time and money. You can build North 8th without impacting existing traffic. This is
designed as part of this project. WSDOT will take it on so there is no need to redo work.
The FTA agrees that it should go through one process.
1-405/NE Park Drive
• Reconfigure the NE Park Drive interchange to a diamond interchange, including
HOV bypass for the on-ramps and replacing the bridge structure
• Provide a new northbound ramp (ultimate build-out proposal) creating the
auxiliary truck-climbing lane.
The reconfiguration of the NE Park Drive will add more capacity. The topography is not
that great in this area so there will be truck-climbing lanes north of NE Park Drive over
the crest of North 30th Street. The mainline will be widened symmetrically in this area.
It's hard to come up with a decent alignment to accommodate a single-point-urban
interchange. The west is fully developed so we'll shift to the east to avoid apartments.
Further north still symmetrical and a lot of walls. There are not enough details yet to
determine the interchange type. What we show now, however, shows the most footprint.
1-405/North 30th Street
• Reconstruct the NE 30th Street interchange to accommodate the widened
freeway, including HOV bypass for the on-ramps and replacing the bridge
structure
Reconstructing the NE 30th Street interchange will provide a better connection between
the community on the east and the community on the west. The design is intended to
minimize effects to May Creek and the Kennydale neighborhood. Because there are
steep slopes down to the creek, the widening of 1-405 would be cantilevered on the east
I side. Near May Creek the alignment is to the west. The goal is to balance the need to
maintain street access and to avoid effects to the creek. The cantilever may have a
shadow impact on the slopes.
Noise — context sensitive design issues. With berms you need more property but you
can have landscaping. Right now you have 1-405, noise wall, house. Landscaped berm
might be an improvement.
Are alignment decisions considering the impact between partial takes and full
takes? Some residences may prefer one over the other.
Property effects are an issue — half-takes cause greater concern. There is room to
negotiate when it comes to acquiring only a piece of the property or acquiring the
whole house. When people can make that choice there will be flexibility. There may
be alignment refinements, based on conversations with residents.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-6
in to rebuild he existing Kennydale School,
The Kennydale School District is going u t g y
Is this being considered in terms of alignment within this area? ,
Avoiding the Kennydale School was a major issue in this area. Schools have a
square footage requirement and the school currently does not meet requirements, so
any property acquired from the school would exacerbate that problem. Renton
School District will be rebuilding Kennydale School and this will be a consideration.
The School District has no design plans yet. The plan is to temporarily locate
students at Newcastle school while Kennydale is rebuilt.
1-405/NE 44th Street
• Reconstruct the NE 44th Street interchange to accommodate the widened
freeway, including added capacity on NE 44th Street and the ramps as well as
HOV bypass for the on-ramps and replacement of the bridge structure.
The NE 44th Street interchange is based on the design proposed for the Port Quendall
design. Widening the mainline is symmetrical to NE 44th. The Boeing Redevelopment
plan analysis shows need for loop ramps in the SE quadrant of 44th and Park. An east
loop ramp would require us to push out the currently designed interchange. Ramp
locations to the west but also minimize residences. Widen existing structure there may
be shadowing --widening because ramps have to span creek...tried to carry ramps as
far as they could. North of 44th widen to the east. Bike path west of 1-405 restricted by
the Railroad right of way.
What are the effects to May Creek? (King County DOT)
We plan to clear span May Creek. We've looked at it and it appears to be pretty
easy. Also, the facility has been aligned to avoid May Creek Park.
SE 76th Street
• Widen 1-405 across May Creek, possibly by cantilevering or other engineered
support system to span the channel without adding piers
• Widen the mainline to the east and relocate Lake Washinaton Blvd.
• Provide a direct access HOV ramp in the 1-405 mainline at SE 76th Street, which
allows north and south transit/HOV access from 1-405 to the west and east at
76th Street. Accommodate for future access from the west for future land uses.
Accommodate future land uses at Ouendall, Baxter, and Genie.
• Accommodate the footprint for a future direct access HOV ramp in the 1-405
mainline at SE 76th Street to provide north and south transit/HOV access from
1-405 to the west and east at 76th Street
Widening to the east affects property. If you widen to the west you start affecting access
to those lakefront properties. Lots of walls in this area and drainage issues.
What is the plume shown on Sheet 6? (King County DOT)
The plume on the aerial may indicate erosion. There has been a lot of development
going on to the east. There's a lot of sedimentation and cross-culverts. This is a
problem location. We will make sure that stormwater facilities are in place early to
avoid erosion and sedimentation during construction.
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-7
112th Avenue SE
• Relocate the 112th Avenue SE interchange to the south to accommodate the _
widened freeway and construction of a flyer stop serving the park-and-ride-at
112th Avenue SE
• Construct an HOV bypass for the on-ramps and replace the bridge structure
• Construct a transit flyer stop at 112th Avenue SE in the 1-405 median with
pedestrian access from the median to the existing park-and-ride lot east of 1-405
• Modify the park-and-ride lot to accommodate the widened freeway.
The park-and-ride will be a three-story structure which would provide more capacity with
minimal new right of way. Multistory also allows for a nice in-line station. Relocating the
interchange to the south works because you have to rebuild the interchange for the
mainline widening anyway. Need to maintain access to the residences to the west.
1-405/Coal Creek Parkway
• Reconstruct the Coal Creek Parkway interchange to accommodate the widened
freeway
• Construct ramp improvements to and from 1-90
• Provide an HOV bypass for the on-ramps at Coal Creek Parkway and replace the
bridge structure
• Reconstruct the Coal Creek Parkway interchange and ramp improvements to
and from 1-90.
The design shows widening to the east to avoid the railroad tracks and the
neighborhoods. Right of way to the east there will be big cuts and high walls 30 to 40-
feet. The ramps will be reconstructed and Coal Creek which is currently in a box culvert
will be daylighted. The culvert is currently 470-feet long. There will be environmental
benefits and we will pursue that and see how the agencies feel about it. Need support in
' order to implement this idea.
Other Questions:
What were the nine options? What are the phasing concepts? (King County)
During the charrette process, local and national engineering experts developed
design ideas for the 1-405 Renton to Bellevue Project. Some ideas were determined
to be fatally-flawed or pulled from consideration due to unacceptable traffic, social, or
environmental issues. This information is being documented in a project screening
report.
At this time, there are no specific phasing concepts for implementing the 1-405
Renton to Bellevue Project. Project phasing will largely depend upon project
funding.
Are we going above and beyond the typical mitigation efforts? (King County DNR)
We hope to initiate early environmental enhancement, restoration, or creation
projects. We say "early" because we want these environmental investments to occur
prior to transportation project construction so that the environmental benefits are
realized before the effects occur. Also, we are taking a watershed based approach
1-405. SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-8
to identify locations where the environmental investment makes the most sense for
overall watershed recovery. In a sense we are going above and beyond typical
efforts because we will be making early environmental investments using a
watershed-based approach. However, we do not anticipate mitigating for effects
beyond those that would be associated with the transportation improvements.
Do you need to describe potential alternatives if this scoping meeting will serve as ,
an EIS scoping? (King County DOT)
We realize that scoping done before an environmental assessment cannot substitute
for the normal scoping process that would occur after publication of a Notice of Intent
(NOI)to prepare an EIS. Hence, while we do not anticipate holding additional
scoping meetings if an EIS is required, any NOI will expressly provide that written
comments on the scope of alternatives and effects will still be considered. j
Our public notice on this scoping meeting stated clearly that if an EIS were to be
prepared "no additional scoping meetings will be held. However, the Notice of Intent,
published in the Federal and SEPA Registers, would expressly provide that written
comments on the scope of alternatives, potential effects, and identification of
resources would be collected and considered.
How is the regulatory permitting process related to what TPEAC is doing?
WSDOT has the option to use the permit streamlining processes developed by the
Transportation Permitting Efficiency and Accountability Committees; however, no
decision has yet been made in this regard.
What level of analysis is being conducted for the Discipline Reports?
Analyses in the discipline reports will be prepared consistent with the project-level
methodologies outlined in the WSDOT Environmental Procedures Manual.
Is there a potential for phasing?
We did not look at it during the charettes. We are just recently looking at how to
stage. For instance we are looking at the direct connectors to 169 and determining ,
whether we need them upon opening or sometime in the future.
Will the EA look at something that is less than what we have here?
The nine options evaluated during the charette were within the range of alternatives �.
evaluated in the Corridor Program EIS. We expect to evaluate one alternative the
"Proposed Action" all the time making sure that it is consistent with the Selected
Alternative in the EIS.
What mitigation opportunities are you looking at? (King County DNR)
There are many areas for mitigation opportunities along the corridor. We are looking
within the watershed for mitigation looking adjacent to the facility and regionally. We
are considering low impact development designs for stormwater facilities.
Watershed Characterization for Renton to Bellevue is due at the end of the month
and we hope to have a list of environmental opportunities/mitigation sites. No areas
yet but will have some areas identified. Identify opportunities and because they are
outside the project area take care of them early and make sure that the agencies
give appropriate credit.
What is typically would be viewed as mitigation would become part of the project.
Are you going above and beyond what would typically be required by permits?
1-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-9
We want to propose the best mitigation practical and feasible.
What is the risk of an EA versus an EIS? The number of Discipline Reports
suggests an EIS.
We recognize that there are risks. We will be prepared for a change of direction if it
comes up. The discipline reports will have sufficient data in them so that we will not
have to redo any work if it became an EIS. We would however need to analyze
alternatives.
Jim Leonard of the FHWA explained that if there are "significant" effects identified,
the WSDOT would mitigate to a level of insignificance.
Is the air quality analysis going to address atmospheric wet and dry deposition?
This is something we typically don't see but it can be brought up in the comment
period. We will talk to the Air Quality and the Water Quality experts to determine if
this needs to be addressed.
How does the Renton to Bellevue project fit within the Corridor Program?
The Renton to Bellevue Project is part of the larger package of transportation
improvements contained in the 1-405 Corridor master plan. It is one of four sections
within the corridor currently undergoing environmental review. The sections were
defined to ensure that related transportation improvements are evaluated together at
a project level within a geographic section of 1-405 that has independent utility,
logical termini, and is meaningful to the affected public.
The larger 1-405 Master Plan is a multimodal system of improvements cleared
through the programmatic EIS and identified as the Selected Alternative in the ROD
October 2002. The Renton to Bellevue Project is programmed as part of the Phase
II 10-year phased implementation of that Selected Alternative. Unlike the three
�1 funded 1-405 nickel projects in South Renton, Bellevue, and Kirkland, the Renton to
Bellevue Project is proposed to be funded primarily through the Regional
Transportation Investment District package that is expected to be advanced to voters
in the three-county region in November 2004.
How do we get the most complete set of program and/or project information?
The programmatic EIS and ROD contain the most complete 1-405 Corridor Program
information.
Why is the Renton to Bellevue project the first 1-405 project to go through NEPA?
The WSDOT received early funds from the City of Renton to develop footprint
engineering for the Renton to Bellevue Project. At this time the Renton to Bellevue
project has a greater level of design than any other 1-405 project and is primed for
NEPA review. In addition, WSDOT hopes to be in the position to receive funds and
get to construction for the Renton to Bellevue project in the near future.
What is the status of right of way acquisition?
We have not initiated right of way acquisition for any of the 1-405 projects but are
currently identifying acquisition needs. We currently know what right of way would
be required for the Renton to Bellevue project.
Who/what groups could be opposed to this project and what are their issues?
1-405, SR 169 to I-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-10
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The Transportation Choices Coalition was actively involved during the 1-405 Corridor
EIS process. They were mainly concerned with transportation modal balance,
potential for induced growth, and air/noise effects. Another active group is the j
Kennydale Neighborhood Association, mainly concerned with property acquisition
and noise issues associated with the project.
What is the public involvement plan and who is coordinating it?
Colleen Gants, WSDOT public information officer, is coordinating the public
involvement plan.
Will you incorporate local regulations and follow local guidance in writing our
discipline reports?
The DRs will be written in accordance with the WSDOT Environmental Procedures r
Manual and should meet the report requirements for local jurisdictions in terms of
critical areas. Make sure you review local Critical Areas Ordinances (CAOs) and that
your report includes the information necessary to comply with the regulations.
4.9 Comment Letters
If you have issues please send us a letter and mail to Christina Martinez by October 17,
2003. Comment forms were passed out and Christina mentioned that they can also be
obtained on the web-site.
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I-405, SR 169 to 1-90-Renton to Bellevue Project June 2005
Scoping Report 4-11