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.
Also read:
- Opinion: Is the cheap fast-food burger a thing of the past?
Mark Harmsworth argues that rising minimum wages and B&O tax increases are driving higher food prices and squeezing low-income consumers and small businesses across Washington state. - Opinion: Blood on the highways fails to move Ferguson and Kotek
Lars Larson criticizes Washington and Oregon governors over licensing policies he says are linked to deadly truck crashes and ongoing highway safety risks. - Letter: ‘When we curtail one group’s rights we leave open the door to losing our rights too’
Camas resident Anthony Teso argues that constitutional protections apply to immigrants and warns that limiting one group’s rights risks undermining everyone’s civil liberties. - POLL: Do you agree that enforcing U.S. immigration laws is not an act of racism?
This poll asks readers whether enforcing U.S. immigration laws should be viewed as a lawful responsibility rather than an act of racism. - Thousands under evacuation orders, as floodwaters crest in Washington rivers
Thousands of Washington residents have been ordered to evacuate as rivers crest amid heavy rain, with officials warning of catastrophic flooding and seeking federal disaster assistance. - C-TRAN Board pays tribute to the late Molly Coston
The C-TRAN Board of Directors honored the life and legacy of Molly Coston, remembering her leadership, compassion, and service to Washougal and the region. - Opinion: Should taxpayers walkout?
Lars Larson argues that student walkouts and absenteeism in public schools raise questions about accountability for taxpayers who fund the education system.
