Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks completion of SR 20 improvement project in Burlington

With the ceremonial unveiling of a new highway sign Thursday morning, business leaders, local officials and legislators officially marked the completion of the “missing link” in State Route 20 widening between Anacortes and Burlington.

WSDOT’s $118-million project, funded by the 2003 gas tax package, widened a five-mile stretch of SR 20 between SR 536 and the I-5 interchange and transformed the congested two-lane highway with a history of collisions into a wider, safer four-lane highway.

The project completes a vision that started more than 30 years ago. The stretch of SR 20 from Anacortes to Memorial Highway (SR 536) was widened in the 1960s and 70s.

“This project has dramatically improved a vital transportation link for Skagit, San Juan and Island County residents,” said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen. “The improved interchange and wider State Route 20 will help save lives and reduce congestion.”

Crews began in spring 2007, working to widen and improve the highway near its intersection with SR 536. Opening the new I-5 on- and off-ramps in June was the last major milestone for crews.

“Improving this section of SR 20 will help keep Washington drivers moving, whether for work or play,” said Paula Hammond, Transportation Secretary. “This is one of many highways in our state’s transportation system that is a vital link to the economic health of our local communities and our state.”

SR 20 to the west of I-5 serves several communities including Anacortes and its ferry terminal, the main transportation access to the San Juan Islands. SR 20 provides the only road-based access to Whidbey Island. Along the route are many smaller communities and important tourist, agricultural and business interests, such as the March Point refineries, Whidbey Naval Air Station and Deception Pass State Park. On an average day, more than 22,000 vehicles use the highway.

During construction, crews:

-Widened the highway from two lanes to four, with two lanes in each direction from SR 536 at Fredonia to the I-5 interchange (ten lane-miles).

-Installed a new signal at Higgins Airport Way.

-Divided 2.5 miles of the east- and westbound lanes with a 32-foot median and cable median barrier (from SR 536 to Pulver Road).

-Improved the on-ramps and exits at the I-5/SR 20 interchange.

-Permanently closed access to and from SR 20 at the intersection with Peterson Road and Goldenrod Road in Burlington.

-Built new roads to join Peterson Road and Nevitt Road to SR 20.

-Install a new signal at the SR 20 intersection with Pulver Road in Burlington.

Between 2001 and 2006, there were 384 collisions on SR 20 between SR 536 and I-5 that involved almost 800 vehicles and resulted in eight fatalities.

Crews expect to open all lanes to traffic within the next two weeks. Crews will continue to be seen working along the highway while they wrap up miscellaneous tasks, such as landscaping and clean up.

For more information, visit the project Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR20/sr536fredonia.