Construction scheduled to begin early next year, complete in late 2023
VANCOUVER – Thanks to input from the community, the Washington State Department of Transportation has picked the design for the new SR 500 pedestrian/bicycle crossing at NE 54th Avenue/NE Stapleton Road. WSDOT heard from people who walk, bike and roll in the area that their highest priorities for the new bridge were safety, future maintenance, cost, bicycle maneuverability, right‐of‐way, constructability and corridor continuity.
WSDOT incorporated those priorities into the final bridge design, which will restore access across the highway for non-motorized travelers. The new structure will accommodate two-way pedestrian and bike traffic by incorporating straight ramps with a gradual incline and wide turning radii so people on bikes, wheelchairs or other mobility devices can easily climb the grade and make the turns.
The bridge design also includes a landing midway along each ramp on both sides to provide a resting spot so users of all ages and abilities can take a break while using the bridge to cross the highway. To ensure continuity along the highway, the new bridge will be built of concrete like the nearby pedestrian overcrossing at Northeast Falk Road/Northeast 42nd Avenue.
Once complete, the physical separation between pedestrians, bicyclists and high-speed vehicles on SR 500 will create a much safer and more comfortable environment for the roadway’s most vulnerable users. As soon as mid-2023, and following the competitive bidding process, construction is scheduled to begin. The new structure is scheduled to being in late 2023.
For safety, due to a high number of crashes at or near the intersections of SR 500 and Northeast Falk Road/Northeast 42nd Avenue and 54th Avenue/Northeast Stapleton Road, WSDOT removed the traffic lights at this location in 2018 and made a commitment to return to restore the north/south connection across the highway for those most affected by the safety improvements – pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities who experience longer out-of-direction travel.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun’
Ken Vance argues newly obtained documents show Interstate Bridge Replacement staff withheld updated cost estimates from lawmakers and the public. - Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Vancouver Police investigate traffic collision
Vancouver Police are investigating a motorcycle and vehicle collision that left the rider with life-threatening injuries. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for repeal of transportation funding package she championed
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to repeal a transportation funding package she previously supported after a referendum effort halted key tax increases. - Opinion: State CO2 report shows 86% of Washington’s claimed climate benefits are probably fake
Todd Myers argues a state climate report significantly overstates emissions reductions and raises concerns about data accuracy and accountability in Washington’s climate spending. - OnPoint Community Credit Union expands to Ridgefield
OnPoint Community Credit Union announced a new Ridgefield branch opening Jan. 12, expanding its Clark County presence and supporting local nonprofits.
