I-5 South Connection

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Aerial image showing the current off ramp at SR 502 looking toward Ridgefield.

The City of Ridgefield's and Clark County's long-range plans—which were created in collaboration with community members, local agencies, and regional partners—call for a new roadway connection from Ridgefield to Interstate Highway 5 (I-5). This future connection would extend from the area of NW Hillhurst Road/NW 31st Avenue to the existing I-5 interchange at NW 219th St./State Route (SR) 502. Construction is not expected for 5-10 years, and several steps, including more public participation and securing funds, will need to happen.

Project Background

The existing interchange between I-5 and SR 502 was constructed by WSDOT in 2008. The City of Ridgefield and Clark County have had the potential for a connection from this interchange west and north to Ridgefield since 2007.

In 2019, the City of Ridgefield received Washington State legislative funds to conduct a corridor study on the potential connection routes. In the Spring of 2021 the City partnered with a consultant to conduct this corridor study, including collecting public input through an online open house and property owner interviews. The results were presented to Ridgefield City Council and Clark County Council.

Click on the links below to view results from the Spring 2021 Online Open House:

Next Steps

The City is seeking funding and continuing to collaborate with Clark County and WSDOT on next steps. Construction is not expected for 5-10 years. There will be additional opportunities for public participation in the future.

The City of Ridgefield's and Clark County's long-range plans—which were created in collaboration with community members, local agencies, and regional partners—call for a new roadway connection from Ridgefield to Interstate Highway 5 (I-5). This future connection would extend from the area of NW Hillhurst Road/NW 31st Avenue to the existing I-5 interchange at NW 219th St./State Route (SR) 502. Construction is not expected for 5-10 years, and several steps, including more public participation and securing funds, will need to happen.

Project Background

The existing interchange between I-5 and SR 502 was constructed by WSDOT in 2008. The City of Ridgefield and Clark County have had the potential for a connection from this interchange west and north to Ridgefield since 2007.

In 2019, the City of Ridgefield received Washington State legislative funds to conduct a corridor study on the potential connection routes. In the Spring of 2021 the City partnered with a consultant to conduct this corridor study, including collecting public input through an online open house and property owner interviews. The results were presented to Ridgefield City Council and Clark County Council.

Click on the links below to view results from the Spring 2021 Online Open House:

Next Steps

The City is seeking funding and continuing to collaborate with Clark County and WSDOT on next steps. Construction is not expected for 5-10 years. There will be additional opportunities for public participation in the future.

  • Connection Alternatives Open House - Spring 2021

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    In Spring 2021 the City conducted an online open house and corridor study on seven potential connection alternatives. The information below was provided and surveys collected regarding these alternatives. The results were presented to Ridgefield City Council and Clark County Council.

    Hear more about the project by watching this short video:

    For closed captioning, click the CC box at the bottom right of the video screen.

    The survey portion of our online open house has now ended. The feedback gathered from March 4–April 4, 2021 will help guide the future of this project, your community, and the region!

    You may view the Survey Summary, read the Comments on the Map, and/or read/ask a question by navigating the tabs on the project page.


    See the Seven Connection Options

    Click on the video below for a flyover view of the seven routes:

    The top of the screen is north.

    OVERVIEW

    This map shows the seven connection options we are currently considering. Each option is shown in a different colored line. We have laid out each one to best fit the features and constraints found in our investigation of the area, such as those related to the environment and private property. For more information on our investigation, please visit the Related Documents section of this page.


    On this map and the ones that follow, you will see various colors and patterns representing the features and constraints, such as wetlands, water bodies, steep slope areas and ravines, historic resources, and historic structures.


    To see a view from five different locations, click a number below that corresponds to the map above:

    1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5


    One more thing to note: The seven connection options overlap in some areas and have different advantages and disadvantages. As you review each one, notice how they fit the existing terrain, cross ravines, and affect properties, homes, the environment, and historic structures. Please also consider each option's cost and ability to meet the project goals.


    INDIVIDUAL MAPS

    1. Pink Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Is the shortest and most direct route; avoids steep land and does not cross ravines; has minimal impact to two private and one historic properties.
    • Cost Estimate: $50-$55 million

    2. Blue Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Follows the Pink Connection, but is longer. Has minimal impact to historic property; impacts one non-residential structure; avoids the two residential properties mentioned in the Pink Connection; requires a steep ravine to be filled for construction.
    • Cost Estimate: $52-$57 million

    3. Orange Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Follows the Pink Connection but diverges to the south to have no impact on the two residential properties mentioned in Pink Connection description; results in a longer route; has minimal impact to historic properties; avoids steep land and does not cross ravines. [Updated 3/10/2021]
    • Cost Estimate: $55-$60 million

    4. Yellow Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Including improvements to NW 31st north to Hillhurst, this option is the longest and least direct route. Uses a portion of the existing roadway on NW 219th Street, but is a more winding path to I-5; has minimal impact to private and historic properties; has greater environmental impacts because it crosses a fish-bearing stream below an earthen dam and water body.
    • Cost Estimate: $57-$62 million

    5. Green Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Creates an offset intersection along NW 31st Avenue; is longer than most other options, otherwise follows Pink Connection. [Updated 3/10/2021]
    • Cost Estimate: $50-$55 million

    6. Red Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Almost exactly matches the Pink Connection, but is offset to the south for about 1,500 feet to avoid filling the headwater of a second unnamed tributary of Gee Creek; has greater impact on an historic home and historic property (the neighboring farm indicated by the red circle); is the second shortest and most direct route; avoids steep land and does not cross ravines; has the least environmental impact.
    • Cost Estimate: $55-$60 Million

    7. Purple Connection - Click here to review the map

    • Summary: Creates in indirect route to I-5 using the existing NW Eklund Road and NW 11th Avenue roadways to connect to NW Carty Road, which will be improved in the future in a separate city project. To meet rural arterial standards, multiple curves would be redesigned and the intersections at NW Eklund and NW Carty would be improved. Private property would need to be acquired on either side of the roadway. [Updated 3/10/2021]
    • Cost Estimate: $90-$100 million ($40-$45 is part of this project, with an additional $50-$55 million for the NW Carty Road project, which is a planned/unfunded City project currently included on the Capital Facilities Plan.)
Page last updated: 28 Apr 2023, 10:55 AM