BB16 work focuses on retaining walls

Nate Hulings

of the Gateway

Construction continues to push forward on the $6.41 million improvements at the interchange at Burnham Drive, Borgen Boulevard and state Route 16.

Crews have begun to place soldier pile walling along the west side of Burnham Drive NW, causing minor traffic disruptions. As a result, the westbound off-ramp from SR 16 was closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. four times last week.

Construction also has begun on a wall south of the small roundabout on the west side of the interchange. The wall is needed for the scheduled lane addition to the roundabout.

The soldier pile walls eventually will connect with structural earth walls.

When the walls are complete, crews will begin to work on adding one lane on the westbound Burnham Drive NW off-ramp, and both slip lanes from SR 16 to Canterwood Boulevard NW and Burnham Drive NW. All construction is weather permitting.

Traffic disruptions have been as expected, city engineer Steve Misiurak said.

“Everything has been functioning as planned with traffic; no adverse impacts,” Misiurak said.

However, weather has delayed construction of the retention walls, he said.

“The combination of weather and stuff has slowed some of the contractors progress,” Misiurak said. “The soldier pile wall has taken longer than expected.”

Both off-ramps also will be expanded to two lanes. The project is scheduled to be complete next fall, Misiurak said.

Reach Reporter Nate Hulings at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at nate.hulings@gateline.com.