Purpose & Need
The purpose of this project is to improve safety and reduce accident frequency and severity. Within this section of SR-20, a primary issue is upgrading it to bike touring standards.
This project has both cultural and historic importance. This includes historic guardrail that does not meet current day design standards and is deteriorating from age. The Civilian Conservation Corps originally built the historic guardrail in 1935 with rock and mortar bollards and logs.
Context
This project is rural and scenic in nature and has high levels of recreational use. This includes the Deception Pass State Park and the nearby marina. There is relatively little development in the area, which has a small gas station and some local stores. A local tavern is also located nearby and safety issues related to this location were identified. Much of the area is environmentally sensitive with wetlands and endangered species elements to consider.
Initial Design Concept
This project will replace historic, outdated guardrail along State
Route 20 in Deception Pass State Park with new guardrail that is
crash worthy and meets current day design requirements. The
new guardrail will retain many of the character-defining features
of the old guardrail, including the defining log, rock and mortar
bollard appearance. The project will also make minor drainage
improvements, upgrade illumination, do some minor paving near
guardrail terminals, upgrade signing, and make improvements to
the bicycle facilities.
Funding
The design and construction is funded by Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The project budget is
about $5 million.
Challenges
- Existing guardrail is not a
crashworthy roadside feature
- Run-off-the road accidents
- Guardrail connection problems
- Foundation and bollards
- Match appearance of existing
guardrail
- Maintenance and aesthetics
Solutions
- Record rail with HABR - Level 2
standards
- Preserve 250 ft section of original
- Remove existing guardrail system
along the highway
- Interpretive exhibits restoration
- Install new aesthetic, crashworthy
guardrail system including new bollards
Further Reading:
SR-20 Ducken Road case study
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