The $4.34 million project will improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, formalize parking, and address long-standing concerns about speeding, drainage, and public safety
The city of Washougal has launched the Shepherd Road Pedestrian Connection Project, a vital infrastructure improvement designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity along a key route leading to Sandy Swimming Hole Park. The $4.34 million project will improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, formalize parking, and address long-standing concerns about speeding, drainage, and public safety.
Located between Washougal River Road and Lebrun Drive, the project includes the widening of Shepherd Road to accommodate:
- A shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
- On-street parking to replace informal shoulder parking
- Raised crosswalks and traffic calming measures
- ADA-compliant pedestrian upgrades
- Improved stormwater drainage
- Pedestrian-scale lighting, signage, and landscaping enhancements
“This project delivers long-needed improvements for residents, park visitors, emergency services and students,” said Scott Collins, City Engineer and Deputy Public Works Director, who is leading the effort. “It’s about creating a safer, more connected corridor that reflects the City’s commitment to accessible, multimodal transportation.”
Although the project is in its design phase, community outreach and public involvement will begin in August 2025. Resident feedback will play a key role in shaping the final design to ensure it aligns with local priorities and neighborhood needs.
Public input to shape project design
As part of the city’s commitment to transparency and community collaboration, a public open house will be held at Washougal Community Center on Aug. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event will provide residents with an opportunity to:
- Learn more about the Shepherd Road Pedestrian Connection Project
- View preliminary design concepts
- Ask questions directly to project staff
- Share feedback and concerns to help guide final design decisions
“This corridor has been the subject of numerous resident concerns over the years — from speeding to unsafe parking and lack of sidewalks. These challenges have impacted multiple city departments — including Police, Code Enforcement, Engineering, and Streets — highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution,” said Collins. “We want to make sure the community is actively involved as we move forward.”
Public involvement is a key component of the project, ensuring that the final design addresses safety, access, and mobility from the community’s perspective. In addition to the open house, additional outreach efforts and updates will be shared throughout the project’s development.
The project is primarily funded by a $3.47 million state grant from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), with an additional $868,000 in local Transportation Impact Fees. Construction is estimated to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by fall 2026, pending permitting and weather conditions. Project phases include data collection, design, permitting, right-of-way coordination, and public outreach. Temporary impacts during construction will include detours, access limitations, dust, noise, and potential delays in reaching Sandy Swimming Hole.
The Shepherd Road Pedestrian Connection Project aligns with Washougal’s Strategic Plan under the Core Services priority by securing outside grant funding and delivering essential infrastructure improvements that promote safety, mobility, and quality of life. The project reinforces the city’s focus on fiscally responsible investments that enhance core services while preparing for future growth and community needs.
For more information and future updates, visit https://cityofwashougal.us.
Information provided by the city of Washougal.
Also read:
- Opinion: IBR still holding and lying about coming billions in cost overruns
Joe Cortright argues that Interstate Bridge Replacement officials are deliberately delaying the release of an updated cost estimate that he says could push the project toward $10 billion. - Opinion: Another problem with strike pay from the UI fund – Potential double-dipping, overpayments
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that Washington’s new strike pay law risks overpayments and double-dipping unless workers are clearly warned at the point of applying for unemployment benefits. - Vancouver firefighters spread Christmas cheer through 2nd annual toy drive
Vancouver firefighters collected and distributed more than 650 donated toys to students at six Evergreen Public School District elementary schools during their second annual holiday toy drive. - Person rescued after jumping from I-205 Bridge
Vancouver fire crews and a Port of Portland rescue boat pulled a man from the Columbia River after he jumped from the I-205 Bridge and rushed him to a local hospital. - Weather update: Heavy rains and strong wind gusts expected for the rest of Thursday
Heavy rain, wind gusts up to 45 mph, and ongoing flood risks are forecast for Southwest Washington as utilities continue restoring power after earlier storm damage. - BPA responding to widespread weather-related outages
Bonneville Power Administration crews are responding to more than 40 transmission outages caused by extreme weather across the Northwest. - Letter: A call for competent Interstate Bridge project management
Rick Vermeers argues that unchecked scope, rising costs, and missed timelines threaten the survival of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project unless light rail is removed.
