November 2009
- WSDOT and the City of Selah are coordinating all aspects of this project (pdf 801 kb).
- This project requires a portion of the property from 30 parcels. To date, negotiations are complete on 15 parcels.
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 began in March 2009. Construction should begin in the spring of 2010. Construction on North and South Wenas Avenue will be complete in fall 2010. Construction on Railroad Avenue will be complete in summer 2011.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:
- 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $11.6 million
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $11.6 million
*As approved in the 2009 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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