Project Facts
- Improvements will include a second lane for the eastbound on-ramp to US 12.
- Project will connect the Greenway Pathway with the city street and sidewalk system for improved safety and access.
- This interchange is a vital transportation link to the Upper Yakima Valley.
• WSDOT and the City of Yakima celebrated the completion of this project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30th.
• This project installed the first flashing yellow left-turn signal in Yakima.
The 40th Avenue Interchange is a vital link between US 12 and the City of Yakima. This interchange improvement increased capacity, reduced congestion, and will encourage economic growth and development for this part of Yakima.
TRANS-action, a coalition of elected officials and business and community leaders, endorsed this project as an important local transportation improvement.
Why is WSDOT
improving the interchange?
The 40th Avenue Interchange serves as an important infrastructure link to the upper Yakima Valley, especially the airport and industrial areas. This interchange also links Fruitvale Boulevard (old US 12), a light industrial and commercial area, to the City of Yakima.
Constructing this project has improved interchange operations and increasd safety by adding a second eastbound on-ramp on US 12 and providing additional interchange improvements. The interchange area had experienced long traffic delays and heavy congestion during peak travel hours resulting in accidents and substantial back-ups. Improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access are additional project benefits.
The End Result
This project provided a second lane for the eastbound on-ramp, more efficient signal phasing, and improved connections between the Yakima Greenway and local bike and pedestrian pathways. These improvements will reduce the number of accidents, improve traffic mobility and efficiency, and encourage commercial and industrial development in this area.
Project Benefits
- Safety. Unsafe conditions due to traffic delays and long back-ups were minimized with the construction of a second eastbound on-ramp on US 12. The improved traffic flow in this area should reduce accidents related to congestion and impatient drivers.
- Economic Vitality. Local community and business leaders endorsed this project. Heavy rush hour congestion and limited access discouraged industrial and commercial development. Increased capacity and improved traffic efficiency will encourage economic growth and development for Yakima.
- Congestion relief. Limited capacity at this US 12 access point created a chokepoint. This improvement reduced congestion and provided better access on and off US 12. Lengthy vehicle back-ups were also eliminated.
- Health/Environment. Access to the local ten-mile recreational Greenway Pathway was improved. Trail use had been restricted to 300 feet from the intersection as a result of development. The Greenway has plans to extend the popular pedestrian and bike pathway from 40th Avenue to Naches along US 12.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT started the design phase on this safety improvement project in the summer of 2005. The project was substantially complete and open to traffic in June 2007.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project office with comments or questions.
Environmental Protection
The appropriate environmental documentation was completed for the project to address potential environmental issues. As preliminary designs were refined, environmental issues were 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
The improved capacity at this interchange has decreased congestion and is providing safer and more efficient driving conditions for the public.
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 consulted with the Yakama Nation Tribe during the project design.
Financial Information
This project was funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $2.1 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $2.1 million
For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Paul Gonseth
WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1811 Email:gonsetp@wsdot.wa.gov
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