Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2225

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Requiring the department of transportation to design and construct a new, separated right turn lane at the intersection of state route number 195 and Cheney-Spokane Road.

Sponsors: Representatives Driscoll, Clibborn, Wood, Moeller, Liias, Rolfes, Williams, Simpson, Eddy, Finn, Parker, Carlyle, White, Sells, Morrell, Ormsby and Van De Wege.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Directs the Washington State Department of Transportation to construct a separated right turn lane at the intersection of State Route 195 and Cheney-Spokane Road.

  • Is null and void if the project is not funded in the Transportation Appropriations Act.

Hearing Date: 3/16/09

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322)

Background:

The intersection of State Route 195 (SR 195) and Cheney-Spokane Road is controlled by standard signage. This intersection has been the scene of 86 collisions between January 1, 1999, and January 31, 2009. An accident in January 2009 resulted in the fatality of a 16-year-old girl. The Washington State Department of Transportation has recognized a need to improve the United States 195 (US 195) corridor. A 1995 safety improvement study recommended the construction of a new split diamond interchange with a cross connection over US 195 at this location. No funding for construction or right-of-way acquisition has been obtained. It is estimated that a less extensive project, which would construct a separated right turn lane at this location, would cost less than $250,000.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Department of Transportation is directed to design and construct a new, separated right turn lane at the intersection of SR 195 and Cheney-Spokane road. If specific funding for this project is not provided in the transportation budget, the bill is null and void.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.