Traffic alert: More commuter congestion on GWay in Richland Nov. 11-12

Drivers will encounter more disruptions and slowdowns at Richland’s busiest intersection this week during the day and at night.

Crews are continuing their overhaul of the area around the intersection of George Washington Way and Columbia Point Drive/Aaron Way.

George Washington Way records an average of about 41,000 vehicles each day along the stretch south of Jadwin Avenue, including commuters to the Hanford nuclear site, Washington State University Tri-Cities and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Here’s what to expect as contractors prepare the area near WinCo Foods for new traffic signals.

Nov. 11-12

There will be lane closures between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday. That includes:

• The northbound George Washington left turn lane onto Aaron Drive/Adams Street will be closed.
• The inside southbound lane of George Washington Way will be closed.
• Aaron Drive will remain open.
• The southbound left turn lane onto Columbia Point Drive will remain open.
• Columbia Point Drive westbound onto George Washington Way will be reduced to on lane.
• Aaron Drive detour is Comstock Street to Goethals Drive.

Overnight Wednesday, Nov. 12

Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., the intersection of George Washington Way and Columbia Point Drive/Aaron Way will be periodically controlled by flaggers while crews install new arms to carry traffic signals. Expect short delays.

Follow the project at richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

Not the Downtown Loop

The South George Washington Way updates are separate from the city’s Downtown Loop project to convert parts of George Washington Way and Jadwin Avenue into one-way streets.

The city will hold a community meeting about the $25 million project from 6-7:30 p.m., Nov. 13, at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive.

Go to thedowntownloop.com.