Richland building roundabouts, sidewalks and more as construction season heats up

Richland has embarked on a series of street projects that promise to improve traffic in the long run, but will cause some short term pain.

Access to local businesses will be preserved.

Stevens Drive

The stretch of Stevens Drive between Lee and Swift boulevards is getting its first rehab in two decades. Work begins March 17 and continues through September.

Drivers should consider alternative routes.

The project includes repairing the road and installing pedestrian-friendly upgrades, ADA ramps at Knight Street and Mansfield Street and flashing crosswalk beacons.

Bike lanes will be added and a new sidewalk will improve access to Columbia Playfields park.

Mini roundabouts

Three intersections are getting mini roundabouts.

Thayer Drive and Williams Boulevard: The intersection is closed until the end of April for construction. Detours are marked.

Stevens Drive and Symons Street: Construction is planned from late April to early June.

Swift Boulevard & Wright Avenue: Construction is planned from early June to mid August.

Curb extensions, signs, etc.

Curbs extensions, new signs, pavement markings and traffic control measures are being added at the Goethals Drive/Torbett Street intersection and the Wright Avenue/Lee Boulevard intersection.

Costco area

An advanced warning system is being installed at the Kennedy Road/Duportal Street intersection, where Costco Wholesale is building its second Tri-Cities location.

The system will alert drivers when vehicles are stopped at the intersection or turning onto Duportail Street.

Go to Richland’s project site to track progress.