After eight months of construction, state highway officials are ready to celebrate completion of the $16 million Kennewick interchange near the blue bridge.
An official ribbon cutting event is planned this afternoon.
State highway officials say the reconfiguration of the former cloverleaf interchange of Highway 395 and Highway 240 will allow for smoother and safer traveling for 16,000 drivers a day.
The interchange features a distinctive double roundabout that directs traffic on and off one of the highways and Columbia Drive. It's a unique traffic device that has been met with mixed reactions from drivers.
Now that it's done, the Herald thinks this unusual interchange needs its own name, perhaps something like the "blue loop" or the "Kennewick figure 8."
But we're sure our readers can do better, so if you think you have a creative and catchy name for our double roundabout, e-mail it to us at news@tricityherald.com. Make sure to put "Naming Contest" in the subject line.
We'll pick out a selection of the best and let readers vote online for their favorite. Who knows, it might just catch on.
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Highway 395 to close at Court Street Overpass
Highway 395 to close at Court Street Overpass
Highway 395 will be closed at the Court Street interchange in Pasco on Monday and Tuesday nights.
During the closure from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., traffic will be detoured using the off- and on-ramps, according to the state.
Northbound Highway 395 also will be closed Wednesday and Thursday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Expect delays, lane closures as roads get pavement markings
Expect delays, lane closures as roads get pavement markings
State Department of Transportation crews will be adding pavement markings today on Interstate 182 near Pasco and on Highway 240 near Richland. Workers also will be striping the roadway and installing guide posts on Highway 224 near West Richland this week.
The right and center lanes of I-182 eastbound just before the Highway 395 interchange will be marked today from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Lanes on Highway 240 near Richland will be closed today to allow state highway crews to add markings near the Interstate 182 interchange from 8 a.m. to noon.
Construction projects to delay traffic, close lanes starting Tuesday
Construction projects to delay traffic, close lanes starting Tuesday
Highway 224 in West Richland will be reduced to one lane between Highway 240 and Bombing Range Road from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday for construction.
Some lanes will be closed so crews can stripe the roadway and install guide posts. One lane will remain open in each direction.
In Richland, Highway 240 and the intersection of Stevens Drive and Swift Boulevard will be reduced by one lane from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, as crews install traffic signals systems and stripe the roadway.
Construction today will delay Highway 12 traffic
Construction today will delay Highway 12 traffic
Westbound Highway 12 will be down to one lane today during daylight hours.
The closure is related to the construction of a new interchange at Highway 12 and Highway 124 and a new bridge on Humorist Road over Highway 12 near Burbank.
Construction is expected to be end for the winter soon, and will start up again in February. The bridge and interchange are scheduled to be finished in summer 2012.
Highway 12 down to 1 lane this week
Highway 12 down to 1 lane this week
Highway 12 will be down to one lane in each direction near Burbank through Friday during daylight hours.
The closure is related to the construction of a new interchange at Highway 12 and Highway 124 and a new bridge on Humorist Road over Highway 12 near Burbank.
Construction is expected to end for the winter soon and will start up again in February. The bridge and interchange are scheduled to be finished in summer 2012.
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