Stevens Drive extension to open Nov. 13

The extension of Stevens Drive that connects Lee Boulevard to Wellsian Way is expected to open after work is completed Nov. 13.

The $1.8 million extension is considered the first phase of improvements to the Stevens Drive and Duportail Street corridor, which will connect central Richland to the Queensgate area after a bridge is completed over the Yakima River, said Richland officials.

The next phase involves connecting Duportail from Wellsian Way to Thayer Drive and rebuilding Duportail between Thayer and Wright Avenue. Construction on that project is expected to start in 2016.

This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Stevens Drive extension to open Nov. 13."