Expect detours on busy stretch of Highway 395 in Pasco as roadwork begins
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- A $1.65 million WSDOT project will build a roundabout near the Pasco airport beginning in.
- Pasco staff propose a city-managed detour route to keep businesses accessible during work.
- Crews will work around the clock for about 45 days and could finish by September 2026.
A new road project will close streets near a busy commercial area just east of the Pasco airport beginning in August.
The project includes construction of a roundabout at the intersection of the northbound Highway 395 ramps and Kartchner Street.
The $1.65 million project will be led by the Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Of that total, $218,280 came from the city in May 2025.
In December 2025, more than 100 Tri-Cities residents urged the Washington State Patrol, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, and local, county and state officials to make safety improvements along US 395.
Kartchner Street and Highway 395 are near the southern stretch of the deadly roadway which extends to Connell.
At a meeting organized at the HAPO Center, residents pointed to the high number of crashes and fatal wrecks along that stretch of highway, which they said has become a persistent safety concern.
During the second half of 2025, three crashes along Highway 395 killed four people, including a Kahlotus city councilman. Before that public safety meeting even ended, Washington State Patrol troopers were dispatched to another crash on the highway in Kennewick.
Expect detours
To avoid completely disrupting traffic during the project, the city will work with WSDOT to set up a detour.
The proposed detour was discussed at the council’s workshop meeting Monday.
The city will coordinate with WSDOT to determine when the detour needs to start.
The goal is to maintain access to businesses east of the construction zone while the state completes the project.
Under the proposed agreement, the detour would begin on Kartchner St. continue along North Capitol Avenue, East Hillsboro Street and North Commercial Avenue.
Crews will work around the clock for about 45 days, according to city documents.
That means construction could wrap up as early as September 2026.
Once construction is complete, WSDOT would be responsible for repairing and restoring any city streets used as the detour route.
