February 2012
- Crews will replace the concrete pavement on Railroad Avenue in 2012.
- The new SR 823 route through Selah - christened Jim Clements Way by the city of Selah, opened for traffic summer 2011.
SR 823 is the primary link between the City of Selah and surrounding areas including Yakima and Interstate 82. A series of improvements have routed truck traffic away from the congested downtown streets, and provide better access to the city's industrial areas.
Why is WSDOT
improving SR 823?
Improving SR 823 (South Wenas Corridor) has reduced congestion and increased safety by rerouting the highway. The project gives drivers the option to bypass congested intersections on S. First Street as they travel through Selah. Improvements include new turning lanes at several intersections, sidewalks, street lighting and storm-drainage systems. Traffic signals have been installed where Wenas Road intersects with both Naches and Fremont avenues.
The project also improves the surfacing of Railroad Avenue.
The South Wenas Corridor improvements are 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 has routed truck traffic away from the congested downtown streets and provided better access to the city's industrial area. These improvements have reduced congestion, improved freight mobility and efficiency, provided infrastructure for developing commercial and recreational areas, and increased safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Project Benefits
- Safety. By routing truck traffic away from downtown areas, WSDOT has provided an improved road for motorists and pedestrians. Safety improvements include intersection improvements, traffic signals, illumination, and new sidewalks.
- Congestion relief. By building a new through route away from the congested business center, WSDOT has improved 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?
Construction started: spring 2011
The new route and intersection improvements for SR 823 were completed and open to traffic: summer 2011.
Railroad Avenue improvements will be completed in summer 2012.
Financial Information
| Financial Data for PIN 582301S |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$9,299 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$4 |
| Total |
$9,303 |
|
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Bill Preston, Project Engineer
WSDOT South Central Project Office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima WA 98909-2560
509-577-1810
E-mail: Prestob@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Summer Derrey, Communications
509-577-1943
E-mail: Derreys@wsdot.wa.gov
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