Detours and delays at Richland’s busiest intersection. What to avoid Nov. 19-26

The city of Richland has happy news for motorists who have tangled with traffic jams while crews upgrade the area around George Washington Way and Columbia Point Drive/Aaron Drive.

The project is nearing completion, the city said in its latest traffic advisory.

Until it’s actually finished, here’s what to expect if your travels take you to South George Washington Way between Nov. 19-26. As always, avoid the area if possible. Some 40,000 vehicles pass through daily.

Nov. 19-26

The northbound right lane will be closed starting around 9 a.m., every day for the coming two weeks.

Nov. 19

The George Washington Way northbound left turn lane to Aaron Drive will be closed all day.

The George Washington Way southbound far left through lane will be closed south of Aaron Drive.

Reason: The closures accommodate patching in the area where crews removed curbs.

Overnight Nov. 19-20

Between 9 p.m., Nov. 19 and 5 a.m., Nov. 20, the George Washington Way/Columbia Point intersection will be periodically controlled by flaggers.

Reason, the existing traffic signal is being removed. New striping will align new traffic lanes.

Nov. 21

Southbound lane closures near Aaron Drive during demolition of old signal equipment and roadway patching.

Nov. 24-26

Southbound right lane closures near Aaron Drive during demolition of old signal equipment and roadway patching.

Nov. 26

Starting at 9 am., Columbia Point Drive will be closed at George Washington Way for final roadway patching.

The southbound left tun lane onto Columbia Point Drive will be closed as well.

Traffic will be detoured via Comstock Street and Bradley Boulevard.

Go to richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay

This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM.