Completion of new path on pause until fall; once finished, will improve connectivity to Orchards neighborhood

VANCOUVER – Families who walk, bike or roll to school in the Orchards neighborhood will have a safer path beneath their feet and wheels this fall, thanks to Safe Routes to Schools Program funding.   

Washington State Department of Transportation’s contractor, Thompson Bros. Excavating, completed the majority of construction on the project in August, including a new shared-use path on the south side of State Route 500 (also known as Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard, between Northeast 162nd and Northeast 166th avenues).

Crews successfully constructed a marked crossing, making pedestrian access safer from the neighborhoods south of SR 500 to Pioneer Elementary School and Frontier Middle School on the north side of the highway. While originally scheduled for installation this summer, the HAWK (High intensity Activated crossWalK) pedestrian signal will now be installed in October due to supply-chain issues.

In the interim, WSDOT crews will install temporary safety measures that enable pedestrians to cross SR 500 safely. These measures include flashing beacons, pedestrian crossing signs and push buttons.

“We’re excited about the upcoming completion of this project, which will help the local community get to school more safely,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Susan Fell. “While we wait for the HAWK signal installation, we remind drivers near the crossing to slow down and pay attention to the pedestrian signs and flashing beacons.”

Contractor crews completed permanent roadway striping as part of this project. Striping provides drivers with visible and reflective lane guidance during nighttime driving, enhancing safety for pedestrians as well.