June 3 open house highlights future I-5/179th St interchange in Ridgefield

Public input needed on roundabouts and pedestrian and bicycle features

RIDGEFIELD – On June 3, the Washington State Department of Transportation will host an in-person open house to give the public a first look at the future Interstate 5 and 179th Street Interchange Improvements project.

The new interchange will feature two roundabouts. People who attend the in-person open house or participate using a virtual public survey will:

  • See a first look of the roundabout design,
  • Provide input on the users and size of vehicles that will travel through the roundabouts,
  • Provide feedback on a proposed shared use path,
  • Share concerns and priorities for access and mobility during construction.

Future growth in the area will increase traffic and travel times at this interchange. Using traffic studies and public feedback collected in 2019, several interchange options were narrowed down to a roundabout design. Two roundabouts will be installed to provide improved mobility for both current traffic and future growth by keeping people moving, reducing congestion, and improving travel times.  

I-5/179th Street Interchange Improvements project in-person open house

When: 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2024
Where: Alki Middle School Commons, 1800 NW Bliss Road #1823, Vancouver, WA 98685
Details: The WSDOT project design team and other partner organizations will be present to review the preliminary roundabout project design, collect information on the size of vehicles using the intersection, gather input on the proposed shared-use path for active transportation users, and answer questions about planned construction. This is a drop-in event and there will be no formal presentation.

I-5/179th Street Interchange Improvements project virtual public survey

When: Tuesday, May 28 to Monday, June 10, 2023

Where: www.surveymonkey.com/r/T2HP27L

Details: The public virtual survey shares the preliminary roundabout design concept, collects information on the size of vehicles using the intersection, gathers input on the proposed shared-use path for active transportation users, and welcomes questions about planned construction.

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

The current estimated cost of the interchange project is approximately $86 million and scheduled for construction starting in 2027.

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.