Ridgefield/I-5 South Connector Study

The City of Ridgefield and Clark County are working to create a new roadway connection from Ridgefield to Interstate 5 (I-5). This 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).

The Ridgefield I-5 South Connector Study is a multi-stage planning effort to address transportation challenges associated with rapid population and economic growth in the area.

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.

Stage I was completed in 2021 and included a corridor study that concluded with seven alternatives.

Alternatives Map

Click to view full size.

Project Benefits

• Improve traffic operations at the I-5/Pioneer Street, I-5/SR 502 and I-5/179th Avenue interchanges.
• Provide safe and efficient travel routes for all users, especially for emergency service responders.
• Ability to accommodate future growth.

Next Steps

The current phase (Stage II) focused on refining and evaluating the most promising connection alternatives, conducting environmental analysis, and identifying a Preliminary Locally Preferred Alternative (PLPA).

The PLPA selected will be based upon an alternatives evaluation, additional environmental studies and public feedback. Additional funds also need to be secured before design and construction can start.