Ridgefield/I-5 South Connector

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 (Battle Ground exit). Construction is not expected for 5-10 years, and several steps, including selection of an alternative, environmental studies, 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.

The I-5 Ridgefield South Connector would connect a confluence of two major state highways (I-5 and SR 502) with Ridgefield's main north-south transportation corridor, Hillhurst Road, near NW 229th Street. Most of the corridor would be located in unincorporated Clark County. The benefits of the project include relief at the City's currently sole interchange on I-5 (Pioneer Street) as well as the county's major interchange at I-5 and 179th Street, which also serves the adjacent Clark County Fairgrounds, RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater, and the west emergency services facility which is staffed by both Clark County Fire District 6 as well as Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue.

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 planning study concluded with a report summarizing the assessment of the seven alternatives, and identified the need for additional state funding to move the project forward to the alternatives selection, environmental review and design stage. The results were presented to Ridgefield City Council and Clark County Council.

Next Steps

The City of Ridgefield and Clark County are in the process of updating Comprehensive Plans, including Transportation elements.

The next step is to complete an alternatives analysis, select a preferred alternative and conduct a Level 1 environmental study in 2025. This stage will also include planning work to develop a scope and budget for succeeding phases such as design and permits, right-of-way and construction.

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 (Battle Ground exit). Construction is not expected for 5-10 years, and several steps, including selection of an alternative, environmental studies, more public participation and securing funds, will need to happen.

Project Background

Next Steps

The City of Ridgefield and Clark County are in the process of updating Comprehensive Plans, including Transportation elements.

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Share COSTCO - with the recent announcement of the planned Costco at the Pioneer/I-5 exit, this greatly increases the importance of this decision. Costco should be on the east side of I-5, not the beautiful pasture now indicated but that is another matter... Costco should NOT be allowed to proceed until a new connector to I-5 is ready. Pioneer is the only practical route into all of Ridgefield's communities and there needs to be a useful bypass to avoid the traffic that will be created by Costco and all of the other businesses that will eventually surround it. Please update the plans for this I-5 Connector which I support. on Facebook Share COSTCO - with the recent announcement of the planned Costco at the Pioneer/I-5 exit, this greatly increases the importance of this decision. Costco should be on the east side of I-5, not the beautiful pasture now indicated but that is another matter... Costco should NOT be allowed to proceed until a new connector to I-5 is ready. Pioneer is the only practical route into all of Ridgefield's communities and there needs to be a useful bypass to avoid the traffic that will be created by Costco and all of the other businesses that will eventually surround it. Please update the plans for this I-5 Connector which I support. on Twitter Share COSTCO - with the recent announcement of the planned Costco at the Pioneer/I-5 exit, this greatly increases the importance of this decision. Costco should be on the east side of I-5, not the beautiful pasture now indicated but that is another matter... Costco should NOT be allowed to proceed until a new connector to I-5 is ready. Pioneer is the only practical route into all of Ridgefield's communities and there needs to be a useful bypass to avoid the traffic that will be created by Costco and all of the other businesses that will eventually surround it. Please update the plans for this I-5 Connector which I support. on Linkedin Email COSTCO - with the recent announcement of the planned Costco at the Pioneer/I-5 exit, this greatly increases the importance of this decision. Costco should be on the east side of I-5, not the beautiful pasture now indicated but that is another matter... Costco should NOT be allowed to proceed until a new connector to I-5 is ready. Pioneer is the only practical route into all of Ridgefield's communities and there needs to be a useful bypass to avoid the traffic that will be created by Costco and all of the other businesses that will eventually surround it. Please update the plans for this I-5 Connector which I support. link

COSTCO - with the recent announcement of the planned Costco at the Pioneer/I-5 exit, this greatly increases the importance of this decision. Costco should be on the east side of I-5, not the beautiful pasture now indicated but that is another matter... Costco should NOT be allowed to proceed until a new connector to I-5 is ready. Pioneer is the only practical route into all of Ridgefield's communities and there needs to be a useful bypass to avoid the traffic that will be created by Costco and all of the other businesses that will eventually surround it. Please update the plans for this I-5 Connector which I support.

miketoalson asked over 2 years ago

Thank you for your comment.
Share When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ? on Facebook Share When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ? on Twitter Share When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ? on Linkedin Email When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ? link

When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

The Kennedy Property developer agreed to build a low collector level roadway through Kennedy East to create a possible connection to Hillhurst. Although the collector will be used by neighbors traveling to Hillhurst, it will not be the optimal route for all.
Share If improving the access to the Hillhurst developments is the impetus, why disturb peaceful rural communities. Improve 45th street South of Pioneer St and Royal Rd for very direct access to these developments. To utilize the planned connection to I5, extend the frontage road past Parr Lumber to the intersection of Delfel Rd. and 209th. This would allow easy connection to I5 and allow for future development along the I5 corridor. It would also improve access to the existing and planned businesses along Pioneer St and 45th. on Facebook Share If improving the access to the Hillhurst developments is the impetus, why disturb peaceful rural communities. Improve 45th street South of Pioneer St and Royal Rd for very direct access to these developments. To utilize the planned connection to I5, extend the frontage road past Parr Lumber to the intersection of Delfel Rd. and 209th. This would allow easy connection to I5 and allow for future development along the I5 corridor. It would also improve access to the existing and planned businesses along Pioneer St and 45th. on Twitter Share If improving the access to the Hillhurst developments is the impetus, why disturb peaceful rural communities. Improve 45th street South of Pioneer St and Royal Rd for very direct access to these developments. To utilize the planned connection to I5, extend the frontage road past Parr Lumber to the intersection of Delfel Rd. and 209th. This would allow easy connection to I5 and allow for future development along the I5 corridor. It would also improve access to the existing and planned businesses along Pioneer St and 45th. on Linkedin Email If improving the access to the Hillhurst developments is the impetus, why disturb peaceful rural communities. Improve 45th street South of Pioneer St and Royal Rd for very direct access to these developments. To utilize the planned connection to I5, extend the frontage road past Parr Lumber to the intersection of Delfel Rd. and 209th. This would allow easy connection to I5 and allow for future development along the I5 corridor. It would also improve access to the existing and planned businesses along Pioneer St and 45th. link

If improving the access to the Hillhurst developments is the impetus, why disturb peaceful rural communities. Improve 45th street South of Pioneer St and Royal Rd for very direct access to these developments. To utilize the planned connection to I5, extend the frontage road past Parr Lumber to the intersection of Delfel Rd. and 209th. This would allow easy connection to I5 and allow for future development along the I5 corridor. It would also improve access to the existing and planned businesses along Pioneer St and 45th.

RALT asked over 3 years ago

Thank you for your input! During this project phase, we are gathering feedback on all the options available to us. There are various advantages and disadvantages to consider, and we appreciate hearing your preferences and thoughts.

This planning study impetus is more than the provision of access to the Hillhurst developments. The connection will provide for additional local road interconnectivity and access to I-5 for the entire west side of I-5 between NE 269^th St and NE 179^th St, including an east-west tie to SR 502 to the east of I-5. The I-5 at NE 219^th St interchange was selected (a significant investment) in the early 2000’s as the single I-5 access point between 269^th and 179^th. The westerly connection to the new interchange was not included in the design because the local land use and future local road systems were not on the Clark County Road Atlas at that time. The interchange was designed to accommodate a future west road connection should one ever come to fruition.
Share If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property? on Facebook Share If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property? on Twitter Share If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property? on Linkedin Email If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property? link

If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

Our preference is to not bisect private properties, but this is not always possible due to environmental constraints and other factors. During this project study phase, we are gathering feedback on all the options available to us. There are various advantages and disadvantages to consider, and we appreciate hearing your preferences and thoughts. Once a connection option is selected and design funding is secured, all impacts to properties—including noise, visual, and environmental—will be analyzed and considered. Details will be worked out with individual property owners as part of the design process after a route has been selected. Property impacts will be fairly and equitably compensated as part of the eminent domain process. When those decisions are made, the property owners will be contacted to work through details.
Share Since the city of Ridgefield wants to push a road so close to several peoples homes, has the city looked to see where the wells and septic systems are located on every property involved ? I know for a fact that some septic systems are located far from the houses and would have to be relocated ? Is the city of Ridgefield prepared to deal with relocating wells and septic systems or is the road going to be placed over the existing systems ? on Facebook Share Since the city of Ridgefield wants to push a road so close to several peoples homes, has the city looked to see where the wells and septic systems are located on every property involved ? I know for a fact that some septic systems are located far from the houses and would have to be relocated ? Is the city of Ridgefield prepared to deal with relocating wells and septic systems or is the road going to be placed over the existing systems ? on Twitter Share Since the city of Ridgefield wants to push a road so close to several peoples homes, has the city looked to see where the wells and septic systems are located on every property involved ? I know for a fact that some septic systems are located far from the houses and would have to be relocated ? Is the city of Ridgefield prepared to deal with relocating wells and septic systems or is the road going to be placed over the existing systems ? on Linkedin Email Since the city of Ridgefield wants to push a road so close to several peoples homes, has the city looked to see where the wells and septic systems are located on every property involved ? I know for a fact that some septic systems are located far from the houses and would have to be relocated ? Is the city of Ridgefield prepared to deal with relocating wells and septic systems or is the road going to be placed over the existing systems ? link

Since the city of Ridgefield wants to push a road so close to several peoples homes, has the city looked to see where the wells and septic systems are located on every property involved ? I know for a fact that some septic systems are located far from the houses and would have to be relocated ? Is the city of Ridgefield prepared to deal with relocating wells and septic systems or is the road going to be placed over the existing systems ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

Impacts such as well disturbances/relocations will be analyzed as part of the design and environmental documentation process, which is a much more detailed analysis than this feasibility study can accommodate. Those types of property impacts will be included in the final route selection process. Property impacts are fairly and equitably compensated as part of the eminent domain process. When those decisions are made, the property owners will be contacted to work through details.
Share The City of Ridgefield is making this new road sound like it will just be a small two lane road with no dividers or turn lanes... Why would the City spend so much money and destroy so many properties when there are already roads of this type in the area that allow people to travel from Hillhurst road to the I-5 freeway ? on Facebook Share The City of Ridgefield is making this new road sound like it will just be a small two lane road with no dividers or turn lanes... Why would the City spend so much money and destroy so many properties when there are already roads of this type in the area that allow people to travel from Hillhurst road to the I-5 freeway ? on Twitter Share The City of Ridgefield is making this new road sound like it will just be a small two lane road with no dividers or turn lanes... Why would the City spend so much money and destroy so many properties when there are already roads of this type in the area that allow people to travel from Hillhurst road to the I-5 freeway ? on Linkedin Email The City of Ridgefield is making this new road sound like it will just be a small two lane road with no dividers or turn lanes... Why would the City spend so much money and destroy so many properties when there are already roads of this type in the area that allow people to travel from Hillhurst road to the I-5 freeway ? link

The City of Ridgefield is making this new road sound like it will just be a small two lane road with no dividers or turn lanes... Why would the City spend so much money and destroy so many properties when there are already roads of this type in the area that allow people to travel from Hillhurst road to the I-5 freeway ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

The configuration and geometrics of the new connection is dictated by Clark County standards. The proposed connection will be a two-lane roadway with paved shoulders. To view the cross-section for this rural major collector, click here.
Share All the information that the City of Ridgefield has provided says that 8 out of 12 of the affected property owners have been contacted. If you look at the map with the 7 possible road options there are obviously a lot more than 12 property owners that could be affected by these 7 possible road options. Why is the number of property owners being misrepresented like this, or has the city of Ridgefield already decided on what road they want and that particular option has 12 property owners ? on Facebook Share All the information that the City of Ridgefield has provided says that 8 out of 12 of the affected property owners have been contacted. If you look at the map with the 7 possible road options there are obviously a lot more than 12 property owners that could be affected by these 7 possible road options. Why is the number of property owners being misrepresented like this, or has the city of Ridgefield already decided on what road they want and that particular option has 12 property owners ? on Twitter Share All the information that the City of Ridgefield has provided says that 8 out of 12 of the affected property owners have been contacted. If you look at the map with the 7 possible road options there are obviously a lot more than 12 property owners that could be affected by these 7 possible road options. Why is the number of property owners being misrepresented like this, or has the city of Ridgefield already decided on what road they want and that particular option has 12 property owners ? on Linkedin Email All the information that the City of Ridgefield has provided says that 8 out of 12 of the affected property owners have been contacted. If you look at the map with the 7 possible road options there are obviously a lot more than 12 property owners that could be affected by these 7 possible road options. Why is the number of property owners being misrepresented like this, or has the city of Ridgefield already decided on what road they want and that particular option has 12 property owners ? link

All the information that the City of Ridgefield has provided says that 8 out of 12 of the affected property owners have been contacted. If you look at the map with the 7 possible road options there are obviously a lot more than 12 property owners that could be affected by these 7 possible road options. Why is the number of property owners being misrepresented like this, or has the city of Ridgefield already decided on what road they want and that particular option has 12 property owners ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

In summer 2020, the project team was considering the first six connection options of those being presented today. For this reason, the 12 property owners of parcels that could be potentially directly impacted by one of those six alignments were contacted by mail, inviting them to participate in stakeholder interviews. We heard back from eight of property owners and they participated in interviews, which are reflected in the Property Owner Stakeholder Summary on this project website. Subsequent to the City Council presentation on January 28, 2021, an additional route alternative to the north providing an improved connection to Carty Road was evaluated. Therefore, postcard invitations to this online open house were sent to 37 residents within the project area, which now includes this northern section, where the purple connection is shown.
Share If the City of Ridgefield puts what they are calling a small 2 lane road close to a house or barn, in a few years they decide they want to widen the road to make it look like the existing N.E.219th Street, that this new road would connect to.. 4 lanes of travel with center turn lanes and a concrete wall in the middle.. what would happen to the houses that are already close to the road ? Would these property owners once again be dealing with this same issue or would the property owners be forced out of there homes ? on Facebook Share If the City of Ridgefield puts what they are calling a small 2 lane road close to a house or barn, in a few years they decide they want to widen the road to make it look like the existing N.E.219th Street, that this new road would connect to.. 4 lanes of travel with center turn lanes and a concrete wall in the middle.. what would happen to the houses that are already close to the road ? Would these property owners once again be dealing with this same issue or would the property owners be forced out of there homes ? on Twitter Share If the City of Ridgefield puts what they are calling a small 2 lane road close to a house or barn, in a few years they decide they want to widen the road to make it look like the existing N.E.219th Street, that this new road would connect to.. 4 lanes of travel with center turn lanes and a concrete wall in the middle.. what would happen to the houses that are already close to the road ? Would these property owners once again be dealing with this same issue or would the property owners be forced out of there homes ? on Linkedin Email If the City of Ridgefield puts what they are calling a small 2 lane road close to a house or barn, in a few years they decide they want to widen the road to make it look like the existing N.E.219th Street, that this new road would connect to.. 4 lanes of travel with center turn lanes and a concrete wall in the middle.. what would happen to the houses that are already close to the road ? Would these property owners once again be dealing with this same issue or would the property owners be forced out of there homes ? link

If the City of Ridgefield puts what they are calling a small 2 lane road close to a house or barn, in a few years they decide they want to widen the road to make it look like the existing N.E.219th Street, that this new road would connect to.. 4 lanes of travel with center turn lanes and a concrete wall in the middle.. what would happen to the houses that are already close to the road ? Would these property owners once again be dealing with this same issue or would the property owners be forced out of there homes ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

The configuration and geometrics of the new connection is dictated by Clark County standards. The proposed connection will be a two-lane roadway with paved shoulders. Roadways are planned for the traffic anticipated to occur in a 20-year timeline. There is no land use data at this time that shows the need for a four-lane roadway west of I-5. To view the Clark County roadway cross-section for this rural major collector, click here.
Share What is the City of Ridgefield prepared to do to compensate people for taking away their hunting rights on their property? Let's say there is a goose hunting blind out in a field and the City of Ridgefield decides to put the road right next to that goose hunting blind, is the City of Ridgefield going to pay the owners/hunters for their loss of their hunting rights? Is the City of Ridgefield going to take away the peoples hunting rights and ability to target practice without compensating the property owners and hunters ? on Facebook Share What is the City of Ridgefield prepared to do to compensate people for taking away their hunting rights on their property? Let's say there is a goose hunting blind out in a field and the City of Ridgefield decides to put the road right next to that goose hunting blind, is the City of Ridgefield going to pay the owners/hunters for their loss of their hunting rights? Is the City of Ridgefield going to take away the peoples hunting rights and ability to target practice without compensating the property owners and hunters ? on Twitter Share What is the City of Ridgefield prepared to do to compensate people for taking away their hunting rights on their property? Let's say there is a goose hunting blind out in a field and the City of Ridgefield decides to put the road right next to that goose hunting blind, is the City of Ridgefield going to pay the owners/hunters for their loss of their hunting rights? Is the City of Ridgefield going to take away the peoples hunting rights and ability to target practice without compensating the property owners and hunters ? on Linkedin Email What is the City of Ridgefield prepared to do to compensate people for taking away their hunting rights on their property? Let's say there is a goose hunting blind out in a field and the City of Ridgefield decides to put the road right next to that goose hunting blind, is the City of Ridgefield going to pay the owners/hunters for their loss of their hunting rights? Is the City of Ridgefield going to take away the peoples hunting rights and ability to target practice without compensating the property owners and hunters ? link

What is the City of Ridgefield prepared to do to compensate people for taking away their hunting rights on their property? Let's say there is a goose hunting blind out in a field and the City of Ridgefield decides to put the road right next to that goose hunting blind, is the City of Ridgefield going to pay the owners/hunters for their loss of their hunting rights? Is the City of Ridgefield going to take away the peoples hunting rights and ability to target practice without compensating the property owners and hunters ?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

All impacts to a property are considered during the right-of-way appraisal and acquisition process. Fair compensation for impacts is part of that process, and the property owner is intimately involved.
Share Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it? on Facebook Share Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it? on Twitter Share Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it? on Linkedin Email Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it? link

Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it?

Heather and Steve Brown asked over 3 years ago

All questions have been answered individually and/or made into an FAQs and posted to the virtual open house.

Page last updated: 13 Nov 2024, 12:44 PM

Ridgefield/I-5 South Connector

Have a Question?

When the Kennedy Property was sold and absorbed into the city limits the public was told that there was a road thru that property for an eventual connection to the freeway. Why is this road not an option on the map ?

If the city of Ridgefield decides to push a road through someone's property, even when the property owner does not want the road there, is the city of Ridgefield going to buy the entire property?

Why are all the questions being asked here not being shared with the community? I know that I have asked a question and it was not answered, so it does not show up as a question that was asked? Where is it?

Level of Engagement

Project Timeline

2007

2008

2019

2021

2021+

2025

2026+

FAQs

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