Rainier Phase 4 February update: Cost and timing breakdown

The Rainier Phase 4 project is set for completion later this month. We want to send you a sincere thank you for your patience as this large-scale project to upgrade 100-year-old roads and utilities has been underway. It’s longer than we anticipated, too. The outcome is a vital roadway and connector that improves the safety of vehicles and pedestrians and better serves our growing community and workforce.

We know there have been some questions about the timing and cost of Rainier’s Phase 4 updates. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve been working through:

Project timeline:

• Originally scheduled for 500 working days (about two years).
• We saw delays due to external factors, such as:
  • Late delivery of Joint Utility Trench (JUT) materials from private utilities.
  • Revisions needed for Lumen’s infrastructure along Victoria.
  • Changes in trench depth to accommodate private utilities.
  • Contract suspension due to Lumen's inability to complete their conversion within the timeframe outlined in the contract.
  • Weather-related unworkable days, including a major flood event and colder, wetter winter conditions that restrict temperature-sensitive work.

Budget overview:

• Grant funding supported each phase of the project.
• Not all change orders affected costs; some were no cost for contract modifications.
• The total change orders executed to date are $8,555,573.99, but the amount reimbursed by franchise utilities (Lumen, Comcast, PSE) was $6,214,272.57. The city is required to pay the contractors directly and then be reimbursed by the utility companies.

The Rainier Phase 4 project delivers safer, more efficient infrastructure for our community. It is expected to be completed later this month, weather permitting.