July 26, The description of the improvements to the SR 240/Aaron Drive interchange has been corrected.
July 27, A map of the proposed improvements has been added below.
The Richland City Council will discuss the city’s five-year plan for capital improvements at their Tuesday night workshop. Capital projects are roads, parks and other infrastructure. A list of the projects are in the packet for the meeting — https://richlandwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4772/files
At almost $40 million, the SR 240/Aaron Drive interchange improvement is the most expensive project on the list. The city has been looking for state funding for that project for several years without much success.
The project is a priority for the Tri-City area, according to material provided by Richland City Manager John Amundson, which also includes the following description:
“The planned improvements which have received WSDOT and FHWA approval include a grade-separating bridge for southbound SR240 vehicular travel, a roundabout for the remaining ramp terminal travel at the intersection of SR 240 and Aaron Drive, and active transportation path facilities along Aaron Drive and across SR 240 to connect central Richland with a trail system in the Yakima River recreation area. The trail facilities eliminate a substantial barrier to active transportation travel and enable connection to a robust regional trail system for many low and moderate income residents of central Richland.”
The council has considered hiring a Washington, D.C. lobbyist to help seek federal funding for the road project that provides commuter access to a federal facility.
The meeting starts at 6 pm in Richland City Hall and can be seen live on Cable Channel 192 and Richland City View.
A lobbyist for a single projest?
Have they applied for grants through the infrastructure bill?
Hi Jan, I appreciate your comments. City employees, particularly Public Works Director Pete Rogalsky, have worked hard to obtain state funding. Unfortunately, the state’s focus has been on alternative modes of transportation and west side road projects like improvements like I-5. The council has decided to put more effort into seeking federal funding for projects by hiring a lobbyist. Does that mean they don’t think their two senators and congressman have done a good job? Those officials have staff tasked with looking for funding for projects. Hiring a lobbyist does seem like a vote of no confidence. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy
Wow. I wish Jon had supplied a picture of the complex planned changes. I’m having a hard time visualizing from his description.
Hi Judi, I appreciate your comment. The city manager did provide a drawing and I had technical issues trying to copy it to my article. When I can overcome those, I will provide it. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy
Thanks for getting that figured out, Randy! I’m grateful for the work you do to keep us informed.
Thank you Judi for pointing out the need for a map. Randy
Unless there are waddles of some other measures to reduce the speed of the 240 east bound traffic I fear the radius of the circle is far to small. This plan has some good points, round about by pass lanes, but the weave that Arron Dr Southbound to get to I 182 west is going to be tricky, the 240 east will need to reduce to about 20mph.
Hi Michael, I appreciate your comment. I have not had time to research to determine if this was always the plan or if has been modified. If this plan slows traffic on SR 240, even more cars could be using GWay. That’s not good. Thank you for reading the Observer. Randy