RICHLAND, Wash. – Richland is gearing up for significant traffic changes aimed at improving safety and promoting economic growth. Public Works Director Carlo D’Alessandro announced that by 2027, George Washington Way will run northbound, while Jadwin Avenue will become a southbound street.
D’Alessandro stated that these changes are expected to reduce crashes on George Washington Way by 20 percent and provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safer environment. “The council’s vision is a vibrant, mixed-use downtown,” he said.
“One of the impediments to making that happen is that George Washington Way and Jadwin, our principal arterial streets, have to carry a lot of vehicular traffic.” The city has been working closely with local business owners to minimize any negative impacts from construction.
D’Alessandro emphasized the importance of communication with the entire Richland community. “We recognize that when streets work is being done, it does have an impact,” he said. “But driveways, access to businesses, working with the business owners to access if needed. Those are all parts of the project.”
Dianna Steen, a longtime Tri-Cities resident, expressed surprise at the upcoming changes but remains optimistic. “Not at all,” she said when asked if the changes would discourage her from visiting the park. “I don’t anticipate any problems.”
Steen views this as a natural evolution and encourages others to embrace the change. “Get over it and deal with it… Change happens,” she said.
The city is currently sending out property acquisitions and planning for construction, which is set to begin in spring of next year. D’Alessandro is optimistic about the future. “It’s meant to create vibrancy in the city, make it comfortable for pedestrians and people to be in,” he said. “And the goal of that is to help with economic growth in the downtown.”
The project aims to be completed by 2027. More information on the project timeline can be found on their website.
