SR 35 / US 17 at Whidden Creek – New Roadway and Drainage Design

PROJECT PURPOSE

US 17 was last resurfaced in 1998. The roadway had deteriorated significantly, with severe cracking in the outer lanes due to heavy truck traffic. Additionally, some sections of inadequate cross slopes contributed to reports of hydroplaning.

This project extends the roadway's service life and improves safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

In addition to rehabilitating the roadway, some sections of inadequate cross slopes were corrected to current standards, and the new roadway surface is more skid-resistant.

Lighting was added at a bus stop serving a local school to improve visibility and safety for students waiting for their bus. Bicycle keyholes were added to all right turn lanes, and a new sidewalk was constructed to enhance connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists.

New guardrail end anchorages and connections were installed on the existing bridge over Whidden Creek to meet current guardrail standards. Additionally, concrete shoulder gutters and drainage flumes were constructed behind the new guardrail to help convey runoff and prevent erosion of the backslopes, enhancing both the safety and resilience of the corridor.

PROJECT SCOPE

• Mill and resurface 3.2 miles of an existing four-lane divided rural roadway
• Cross-slope correction to address hydroplaning crashes
• Add lighting at a school bus stop
• Add a sidewalk
• Widen to provide bicycle keyholes
• Replace bridge guardrails
• Add shoulder gutters and drainage flumes
• Use high polymer asphalt in the outside travel lane to address high truck traffic

BAYER UNITED TEAM

• Mark Bayer, PE, Project Manager
• Sarah Wright, PE, Roadway EOR