Project Facts
- The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding Package funds this improvement project.
- Improvements will route truck traffic away from the congested downtown business district.
- The project also includes a new surface for Railroad Ave.
November 2008
- WSDOT and the City of Selah are coordinating all aspects of this project.
- Proposed right-of-way is marked and WSDOT continues to work on roadway, earthwork, and drainage design.
- Right-of-way acquisition plans have been sent to WSDOT headquarters in Olympia for reivew and approval.
SR 823 is the primary link between the City of Selah and surrounding areas including Yakima and Interstate 82. The City of Selah is planning a series of improvements that will route truck traffic away from the congested downtown streets, and provide better access to the city's industrial areas.
Why is WSDOT
improving SR 823?
Constructing the South Wenas Corridor improvements will reduce congestion and increase safety by routing through traffic and truck traffic away from downtown Selah, constructing a new truck access route, and adding new traffic signals, illumination, sidewalks, and storm drainage systems. The project also improves the surfacing of Railroad Avenue.
The South Wenas Corridor improvements are extremely important to the economic vitality of Selah and the Upper Yakima Valley. Businesses in this area are expanding and road improvements are needed to accommodate increasing commercial truck traffic.
The End Result
This project will route truck traffic away from the congested downtown streets and provide better access to the city's industrial area. These improvements will reduce congestion, improve freight mobility and efficiency, provide infrastructure for developing commercial and recreational areas, and increase safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Project Benefits
- Safety. By routing truck traffic away from downtown areas, WSDOT is providing a safer road for motorists and pedestrians. Safety improvements include intersection improvements, traffic signals, illumination, and new sidewalks.
- Congestion relief. By building a new truck route away from the congested business center, the City of Selah and WSDOT are improving traffic flow both on SR 823 and in downtown Selah.
- Economic vitality. Decreasing congestion and improving traffic efficiency and safety will encourage commercial and industrial development. Rerouting truck traffic provides better access to the city's industrial areas and improves the freight mobility through Selah.
What is the project timeline?
Design began in 2007. Right of way acquisition will take place late in the design phase and construction should begin in the spring of 2010.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project office with comments or questions.
A public meeting was held on July 23rd at the Selah Civic Center. WSDOT and City personnel answered questions from about 65 members of the public about the project.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT will complete the appropriate environmental documentation for the project to address potential environmental issues. As preliminary designs are refined, environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
A series of improvements will increase safety by routing truck traffic and through traffic away from the congested downtown streets. These improvements will minimize commercial traffic near school zones and residential areas. New traffic signals will improve safety at intersections.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
WSDOT will consult with the Yakama Nation during the project design.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $8.6 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $8.6 million
*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Kerry Grant
WSDOT South Central Project Office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima WA 98909-2560
(509) 577-1760
E-mail:GrantK@wsdot.wa.gov
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