KENNEWICK – It’s a wrap for construction for the season on the new US 395 interchange at Ridgeline Drive in Kennewick.
Since April 2021, the city of Kennewick, the Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews with Scarsella Brothers Inc., have been working to improve access, reduce congestion and collisions at the intersections of Ridgeline and US 395 and at Hildebrand Boulevard and US 395.
In 2022, drivers experienced traffic effects and detours while crews built the new US 395 bridge over Ridgeline Drive. In October 2022, drivers returned to US 395 to use the new bridge. Crews also expanded the Hildebrand intersection by building new turn lanes, installing a new traffic signal and updating pedestrian facilities.
To complete the new interchange at Ridgeline, once the weather allows the contractor will pave the on- and off-ramps, Ridgeline Drive and the roundabout at the new intersection of South Zintel Road and South Bofer Canyon Road and Ridgeline Drive.
“It was a busy construction season with a lot of work taking place in a high traffic area and we really appreciate the patience of drivers to keep everyone safe,” said Alex Sanguino, WSDOT’s project engineer. “Drivers can expect to see construction crews out in early spring of 2023 completing the final paving, striping and signing in order to open the new Ridgeline Interchange.”
Construction is scheduled to be complete spring 2023.