Intercity Transit selects contractor for Martin Way Park-and-Ride improvement project

Intercity Transit Authority (ITA) authorized General Manager Ann Freeman-Manzanares to enter into a contract with Tapani, Inc. for $1,731,000 to construct improvements for the Martin Way Park-and-Ride during a meeting on Wednesday, January 1.

Eric Phillips, the agency’s strategic programs director, said that the project includes the construction of a bus-only access from the northbound I-5 ramp into the Park-and-Ride, and a new bus stop adjacent to the I-5 ramp.

There would also be other improvements such as pedestrian lighting, a pedestrian connection near the new bus stop, and facility updates to eliminate uncontrolled left turns for buses. The reconfiguration of the facility would also allow for additional 10 to 13 parking spaces without needing to increase the footprint of the parking lot.

Phillips said improving the facility is a key strategy to enhancing service for riders between Thurston and Pierce counties.

Intercity Transit issued the request for bids last year on December 19 and received seven bids. Tapani’s winning bid was $34,496, 2.03% above the agency’s estimate.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded Intercity Transit a grant to improve Martin Way Park-and-Ride in early 2021. In the same year, the agency entered into a contract with SCJ Alliance to assist Intercity Transit in the planning and design of the improvements.