Project overview
Previously, oversized freight vehicles had to divert from this section of Mill Plain Boulevard (SR 501) onto city streets due to high points in the roadway and limited overhead clearances. Corridor modifications increased safety along the corridor for all modes of transportation. Improvements included the reconstruction of two intersections (Washington/Mill Plain and Main Street/Mill Plain) and the replacement of three traffic signal systems on Mill Plain (Columbia, Broadway, and Main Street).
Pedestrian and bicycle features were also added, including upgraded pedestrian ramps to current ADA standards, buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks to accommodate a shared-use path, and new crossing signals.
What to expect
In summer 2021 and 2022, as well as in spring 2023, in coordination with the City of Vancouver, WSDOT's contractor, Granite Construction, began work to pave sections along Mill Plain Boulevard (SR 501) between the Port of Vancouver and Fort Vancouver, west of I-5.
In order to accomplish this work, daytime and nighttime lane and intersection closures were in place throughout the work zone in downtown Vancouver, between Mill Plain Boulevard (State Route 501) and East 15th Street between Fort Vancouver Way, just west of I-5, and West 26th Avenue near the Port of Vancouver.
Due to high points in the roadway and limited overhead clearances, oversized freight vehicles had to divert from this section of Mill Plain Boulevard (SR 501) onto city streets.
This project aimed to remove high points in the roadway, reconstruct traffic signals to improve mobility for large freight vehicles, and increase safety along the corridor for all travelers.
Originally planted to help calm traffic along the Mill Plain Boulevard (SR 501) corridor, the root system of approximately 35 trees caused damage to the roadway and the area required for new Federally mandated ADA (Americans with Disabilities) curb ramps. The City of Vancouver removed and replaced these trees.
Before new trees were planted, roadways and sidewalks underwent repairs, and tree root barriers were installed to prevent damage from the root growth of new trees.
Project highlights included:
- Upgraded pedestrian crossing signals, which provided visual and audio cues notifying people of all abilities when it was safe to cross. These included directional flashing arrows and countdown timers to indicate how much time people had to cross the road safely.
- New curb ramps meeting current ADA (Americans with Disabilities) standards, facilitating the safe transition from the roadway to a curbed sidewalk and vice versa.
- Upgraded traffic lights on East Mill Plain Boulevard at Columbia Street, Main Street, and Broadway Street to improve clearance for freight traffic.
- Installation of a new pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid-flashing beacon at the southbound I-5 off-ramp to East Mill Plain Boulevard.
- Parking-protected bike lanes that enhanced protection for cyclists and widened from 4 feet to 5½ feet with a 2-foot buffer. Green paint at intersections reminded drivers of the presence of bicyclists.
Project benefits included:
- Improved freight mobility, reducing freight traffic on local streets.
- Enhanced safety for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
- Economic benefits supporting future development in the area.
- Environmental considerations addressing tree removal and urban forestry regulations.
The end result was corridor modifications that efficiently facilitated traffic and freight movement along this crucial roadway.
