Hwy. 169/494 Interchange Reconstruction – on target!

Published On: April 2, 2012|Categories: News, OffiCenters News|

Due to the unseasonably warm weather, construction is on track and plans to be completed by November 2012. Although it has caused a few challenges for our Olympic Place OffiCenter Clients, we are looking forward to a much more efficient Interchange at the crossroads of the Olympic Place Building!

Current Construction Schedule

What we’ve done in 2011

  • Reconstructed northbound Hwy 169
  • Constructed and opened the new Washington Ave. Bridge spanning I-494
  • Partially constructed the flyover bridge from westbound I-494 to southbound Hwy 169
  • Partially reconstructed the frontage road system and opened two roundabouts
  • Disabled Hwy 169 traffic signals

What we’ll do in 2012

  • Reconstruct southbound Hwy 169
  • Finish remaining work on frontage roads (Washington Ave., Viking Drive, West 78th Street and Marth Road) and open remaining four roundabouts
  • Construct remaining flyover bridges, ramps and loops
  • Traffic Impacts

Ongoing

  • March 30: Northbound Hwy 169 traffic shift occurs and a traffic signal will temporarily be in operation. Motorists should expect delays as the traffic signal north of I-494 on northbound Hwy 169 will be put back in service overnight March 29 (lane closures begin around 8 p.m.). The signal is needed because all Hwy 169 traffic will be using the northbound lanes as the southbound lanes are reconstructed this year. The signal will allow traffic from westbound I-494 to access northbound Hwy 169 safely. The traffic may remain in operation until fall 2012.
  • Local detours are in effect at the interchange due to the “all green” traffic signals. See maps for detour details.
  • Overnight lane closures on I-494 and Hwy 169 will occur as needed

Northeast Quadrant

  • W. 78th Street (including a new roundabout) in the northeast area of the interchange is open to two-way traffic. Access to Hwy 169 is available at Valley View Road.

Northwest Quadrant

  • Washington Ave. is closed between Viking Drive and W. 76th Street at 7 a.m. for culvert replacement beneath the roadway. Detour: Use W. 76th Street, Golden Triangle Drive and Viking Drive to get around the closure. All access to businesses will be maintained and the Washington Ave. Bridge will remain open to traffic. The roadway will reopen Feb. 6, weather permitting.

Southeast Quadrant

  • Marth Road is closed between Hwy 169 and West Bush Lake Road through the winter (access for emergency vehicles will remain available). Access from Hwy 169 to eastbound I-494 is still available.

Southwest Quadrant

  • W. 78th Street on the south side of I-494 is closed between Washington Ave. and Anderson Lakes Center (9855 W. 78th Street) for retaining wall reconstruction. The roadway will be closed until spring 2012. Residents and business to the east of the closure can access southbound Hwy 169 and can use the new Washington Ave. Bridge to travel westbound on the north frontage road (Viking Drive) and access Prairie Center Drive and I-494.