The city of Richland, Washington, is moving forward with several major projects in 2026, chief among them being the $23.6 million Downtown Loop project. Bidding is expected to open in June, with construction slated to begin this fall.
The project will reconfigure a section of George Washington Way and Jadwin Avenue into one-way streets. Once completed, George Washington Way will only accommodate northbound traffic, leaving Jadwin Avenue to handle southbound traffic.
Updating the street configurations will involve establishing barrier-separated, two-way bike lanes to accommodate non-motorized travelers. Additional work will include widening sidewalks, adding on-street parking, replacing traffic signal equipment, installing signalized mid-block pedestrian crossings and upgrading lighting.
The city plans to reduce the downtown area’s speed limit to 25 miles per hour. The project vision also calls for a renewed focus on landscaping to beautify the area and encourage vibrant public spaces.
By supporting safer travel options and promoting mobility throughout the downtown area, the city anticipates increased economic growth as more residents can patronize local businesses. These benefits are possible by restricting the number of vehicular lanes in support of safe nonmotorized travel.
Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay
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