9-month project starts at one of the busiest intersections in Tri-Cities

Construction crews from Apollo Inc. of Kennewick arrived Monday ready to begin a $1.6 million intersection improvement at the busiest corridor in Kennewick.

The project on Columbia Center Boulevard and West Quinault Avenue near the mall is scheduled to last until November.

Drivers can expect some lane closures, delays and detours on the main artery that carries about 34,000 vehicles a day.

Crews will be adding a left turn lane from Quinault Avenue to Columbia Center Boulevard and creating a dedicated through-lane and right-turn lane for westbound traffic on Quinault Avenue.

An additional southbound lane will be added on Columbia Center Boulevard leading into the Red Lion Hotel parking lot.

The project also includes installing a new traffic signal, updating ADA ramps and improving lighting, storm drains, curbs, gutters and sidewalks.

Work hours are scheduled to be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Drivers are asked to follow posted detours and marked temporary lanes.

Pedestrians can expect sidewalk closures in the work area.