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.
