Project news

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Needs & benefits

We are beginning work to identify the best way to restore the north/south connection across State Route 500 at Northeast 54th Avenue/Northeast Stapleton for people who walk, bike or roll across the highway.

To improve safety and travel reliability along SR 500 in Vancouver WSDOT removed the traffic lights on SR 500 at Northeast Falk Road/Northeast 42nd Avenue and Northeast 54th Avenue/Northeast Stapleton Road in Nov. 2018.

While the safety improvements worked, and we have seen improved travel times along with a nearly 70% reduction in crashes at or near the two intersections, the removal of the lights also removed access for travelers using sidewalks or bicycles to cross SR 500 at Northeast 54th Avenue/Northeast Stapleton. Now that the second phase of funding is available, we are beginning work to design what a new crossing will look like for people walking, biking or rolling and where along the corridor it will be constructed.

Construction work will also include the removal of the concrete traffic islands where the old traffic signals were located and the installation of new permanent LED highway lighting.

By restoring the north/south connection across SR 500 at Northeast 54th Avenue/Northeast Stapleton, the new overcrossing is another step towards improved safety and accessibility for all travelers along this stretch of highway.

Timeline

• Early 2021: Public outreach begins 
• Early Spring 2021: Project design scheduled to begin
• Fall 2022: Construction contract scheduled to go out for competitive bidding
• Winter 2022: Construction scheduled to begin

Funding

The total cost for this project is estimated at approximately $5 million.