Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout

If you’ve driven through the area recently, you’ve seen it: Pioneer Street is starting to look like the future roadway we’ve all been waiting for. Thanks to the hard work of the construction team, the bulk of the work has been completed, and we’re entering an exciting stage of the project where everything begins to come together into the vision of a tree-lined, multimodal entrance to Ridgefield.

In the coming weeks, Pioneer will begin to look less like a construction zone and more like a finished road. Sidewalks, landscaping, and street lighting will be installed along both Pioneer Street and Discovery Drive. Curbs and medians recently installed on Pioneer between Discovery and Royle give a clear glimpse of what’s to come. Once crews complete work on the north side of Pioneer between Royle Road and the new roundabout, traffic will shift to that side to allow for construction on the south side of the street.

The project remains on schedule, with the full four lanes of widened Pioneer expected to open this fall.

As we near the end of this project, intermittent flagging will continue as needed to support construction activities. Discovery Drive will open soon, which will allow crews to complete work at North 53rd Place while maintaining two access points between Pioneer Street and the Union Ridge Town Center development.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we move closer to delivering a safer, more efficient Pioneer Street.

Pioneer Widening Project Enters Next Phase Monday, May 19

The Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout Project is about two-thirds complete. This project will improve traffic capacity and flow, install improved culverts on fish bearing streams, upgrade water, sewer and storm infrastructure and create safe routes for bicycles and pedestrians in a key area of Ridgefield.

The consolidated closure of Pioneer Street allowed the contractor complete a large chunk of work in Section 2 and 3 of the project, including upgraded underground water, sewer and storm infrastructure, Culverts 1, 3 and 4, retaining walls, a new roundabout, median, curbs and base asphalt. During the closure the city’s contractor worked extended hours to maximize efficiency and complete as much work as possible during this significant road closure.

To avoid any additional extended closures of Pioneer Street, work in Section 4 will utilize lane closures and shifts while maintaining one lane of traffic in each direction.

Starting the evening of Monday, May 19, and continuing through mid-August, the following traffic changes will be in place:

• Secondary lanes of Pioneer Street between Discovery Drive and Royle Road will be closed. This includes the eastbound right-turn only lane onto S 47^th Ave (Discovery Ridge/Rosauers), the westbound left turn onto S 47^th Ave and the westbound right lane entering the Royle and Pioneer roundabout.
• Headed westbound, left turns onto S 47^th Ave (Discovery Ridge/Rosauers) will be prohibited.

These changes will impact the lanes available at the Royle Road and Pioneer Street roundabout. Please slow down (25 mph work zone speed limit) and pay close attention to signage, cones, lane markings and flaggers.

The contractor is also making progress in Sections 1 and 5. This work includes underground utilities, retaining walls, curbs, fence and sidewalk in addition to construction of N Discovery Drive and Pioneer Canyon Drive. Discovery Drive will remain closed through mid-August to complete this phase of work.

Pioneer Street between Royle Road and 56^th Place remains an active construction zone with a temporary speed limit of 25 mph. Drivers should expect shoulder work, intermittent flagging, and lane shifts.

Final paving for the Pioneer Widening project is scheduled for September. Upon completion of final paving, there will be two lanes open in either direction on Pioneer Street and one lane in either direction on N Discovery Drive. The entire project is expected to wrap up in October.

The City is actively coordinating with In-N-Out Burger to ensure all required traffic management measures are in place in advance of their anticipated opening this summer. This effort involves collaboration with Ridgefield Police, Ridgefield Public Works, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, Washington State Patrol, and the Washington State Department of Transportation. While In-N-Out has not yet shared an opening date, the City is prepared to work closely with the Pioneer Street Widening Project team to help maintain safe and steady traffic flow in the area.

Pioneer Street Will Open by May 1 with a New Roundabout, Center Medians, and Upgraded Utility Infrastructure

Pioneer Street, between Discovery Drive and 56th Place, will be re-opened by Thursday, May 1. When it opens, drivers can expect one travel lane in either direction separated by a center median, a new roundabout at Discovery Drive and Pioneer, and a re-striped 56th Place and Pioneer roundabout with two lanes going all the way around. The outer lanes of the widened roadway will remain closed until final paving is completed in September.

Since the full closure began in January, the City’s contractor for the Pioneer Widening Project has made significant progress. Their dedicated efforts—despite inclement weather and the discovery of unexpected underground conditions—have kept the project moving efficiently. In preparation for the reopening, crews will complete grading, paving, and striping over the coming weeks.

On Friday, April 18, paving work near the new roundabout will require construction trucks to be in the roadway for periods of time. Intermittent flagging and up to 15-minute traffic holds are expected between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM in both directions at the new roundabout. Travelers are strongly encouraged to use the detour route during this time.

Following the reopening, N Discovery Drive will close between Pioneer Street and 53rd Place to install sidewalks, planter strips and finish the roadway improvements for Phase 1. Simultaneously, the contractor will begin work on Phase 4, widening Pioneer Street between Royle Road and Discovery Drive utilizing lane shifts to avoid closures.

While we’re disappointed the road is reopening a week later than originally planned, we’re grateful for the significant progress made since January. The contractor has installed thousands of feet of underground utility pipes, built retaining walls, tested new utility infrastructure, constructed a new roundabout and created the new road base to support the elevated and widened roadway.

Our traffic camera captured a timelapse of their progress:

Thanks to careful planning and the use of full closure during Phase 2, we do not anticipate any future full closures of Pioneer Street—except for a couple days this fall for final paving.

This consolidated closure has allowed the City to accelerate construction, reduce repeated disruptions, and ensure the road is ready ahead of the busy summer season and the opening of new businesses in the Ridgefield Junction area.

We understand the closure has been an inconvenience and sincerely appreciate your patience. Every step of this project has been taken with the community’s long-term benefit in mind. In addition to expanding roadway capacity, the project includes critical upgrades to Ridgefield’s underground infrastructure—improvements that will serve the city well into the future.

Thank you for your continued support as we invest in a safer, more efficient transportation system for Ridgefield.

Future Pioneer Street Cross Section

Steady progress on infrastructure upgrades on Pioneer Street between 56^th Place and Royle Road continues 59 days into the Pioneer Street closure.

Here’s the latest update:

• Roundabout construction: Subgrade preparation is underway for the new Discovery Drive and Pioneer Street roundabout, with concrete work scheduled for late March. You’ll be able to watch this roundabout be built from the ground up as you travel through the area over the next month and a half.
• Utility work: Sewer and water installs for this closure are complete and stormwater installation is well underway. 1,575 feet of sewer and 2,583 feet of water main have been installed and are currently under testing. 1,167 feet of stormwater pipe, of the 3,760 feet to be completed during the closure has been installed.
• Culvert work: Construction of soldier pile retaining walls near Mountain View Dental, Ridgefield Physical Therapy and the future iQ Credit Union branch started on March 3. These walls will support the areas along these properties as we construct a channel for the existing creek to pass along the north side of the widened Pioneer Street and through the new culverts.
• Road Construction: Major earthwork will begin in late March for the construction of the new road base for Pioneer Street between Discovery Drive and 56^th Place.

The contractor continues to work extended hours and Saturdays as needed and as weather allows. We appreciate your patience with this major project and will continue to provide updates as work progresses. In the meantime, continue to slow down through the construction area, plan ahead for busy times, and know that the current closure will be finishing up this Spring.

We’re now 16 days into the Pioneer Street closure for the Widening Project and significant progress has been made. As of yesterday, the contractor has:

• Identified utility conflict areas and sent updates to engineers for plan revisions.
• Milled asphalt at Discovery Drive and Pioneer Street to prepare for construction of the new roundabout.
• Installed 700 feet of dewatering system for deep utility work.
• Completed the first section of sanitary sewer (380 feet installed).
• Installed 370 feet of water main.

The contractor is working extended hours to keep the project on schedule and reopen Pioneer Street as planned by April 22.

To improve safety and traffic flow, crews have also updated road striping from Discovery Drive to Royle Road and installed traffic cameras at both ends of the project. Check real-time traffic conditions on our Traffic Page.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this important infrastructure upgrade. Stay tuned for future updates as we build a better Pioneer Street.

The Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout Project has reached approximately one-third completion. The next phase involves the installation of utilities deep beneath the existing roadway. To expedite this work and minimize overall disruption, the City has approved a consolidated closure of Pioneer Street, scheduled to begin Monday, January 13, and end Tuesday, April 22.

The utility work for the Pioneer Widening project will replace and upgrade the water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure in the area. By consolidating the necessary work into a single closure, the City aims to:

• Save time and money by reducing repetitive road closure and re-opening work.
• Enhance safety for travelers and construction workers.
• Provide predictability for the Ridgefield community by reducing the total number of closures and minimizing flagging in the work area.
• Accelerate project completion, allowing Pioneer Street to reopen before the summer travel season and additional businesses near the project area open.

Consolidated Pioneer Street Closure Details

WHAT: Pioneer Street closed to traffic from Discovery Drive to 56^th Place.

WHEN: Monday, January 13 to Tuesday, April 22

DETOUR: Check traffic conditions via navigation map or the City’s live traffic cameras prior to departure to determine your best route. See detour map.

• Main Detour: Travel between east and west Ridgefield via S Royle Road, Wells Drive, Timm Road, S 6th Way, and S 56th Place.
• Local Business Access: Ridgefield Physical Therapy, Mountain View Dental, and Costco will remain accessible via Discovery Drive or N 56th Place.
• Northbound Traffic: Consider traveling on N Royle Road to access the La Center exit of I-5.

To assist travelers, the City will install live traffic cameras in the project area. These cameras will be accessible through a public link at www.RidgefieldWa.us/Traffic starting January 13. Use these resources or navigation apps to identify the best detour route for your needs.

This schedule was selected after careful consideration of the options to minimize the adverse impacts on the Ridgefield community. The planned closure will last 99 calendar days, significantly fewer than the 150+ days estimated if we conducted separate, shorter closures. When the road reopens in April, it will feature a roundabout at Discovery Drive and Pioneer as well as a wider roadway that will accommodate lane shifts in future construction phases. After this closure, the only remaining anticipated Pioneer Street closure will be for final paving, expected to last a few days in the fall.

The Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout Project reflects the City’s commitment to enhancing Ridgefield’s infrastructure to meet current and future community needs. Once completed, the widened roadway will:

• Increase traffic capacity and improve flow.
• Provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Create a welcoming, tree-lined boulevard at the city’s entrance.

Cross Section Rendering of Pioneer Street after Widening

We understand the challenges that this road closure presents and deeply appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. The City will closely monitor the contractor’s progress and provide regular updates throughout the closure period.

For more information about the Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout Project, visit the project website.

To view and sign up for Traffic Alerts, visit the Road Construction page.

Last weekend, we closed Pioneer Street between 56th Place and Discovery Drive for a significant culvert installation as part of the Pioneer Widening project. Although progress was made, the contractor was unable to complete the culvert work due to heavy rainfall on Saturday.

This culvert work operates under a regulated schedule, which has now been extended through November 11. The job itself is complex, requiring multiple days without traffic in the area to handle the size and intricacies of the culvert, alongside crucial adjacent utility work. To address these needs, the City has approved extending the upcoming closure of Pioneer Street between 56th Place and Discovery Drive, scheduled now from 7 PM Friday, November 1, through 11 PM Monday, November 11.

This decision was not made lightly; it followed careful coordination between the City and the contractor to ensure that the closure would proceed as smoothly as possible, with commitments to the following:

• The contractor has added extra pumps and will be closely monitoring weather to prevent further disruptions from rainfall during this work period. They are also completing additional prep work and material staging ahead of the closure to maximize efficiency and ensure the work will be completed within the timeframe.
• To ease traffic flow during the closure, 53rd Place will be open for northbound traffic during the PM rush hour (3 PM–7 PM). Drivers can take 53rd Place to Pioneer Canyon Drive, then head west to reconnect with Pioneer.
• Access to businesses on 53rd Place (Mountain View Dental and Ridgefield Physical Therapy) will remain available from Pioneer Canyon during business hours, though south bound 53rd Place will be closed beyond these business entrances.
• Once this closure concludes, the temporary signal at 53rd Place will be removed, and the intersection will convert to right-in/right-out access, per the original plan. Candlestick style traffic barricades will be installed along the center line to emphasize that no left turn is permitted.
• The contractor and City will closely monitor the closure area at key intersections and add extra flaggers to detour routes if needed to keep traffic moving smoothly.

We recognize the significant impact these past two months of construction have had on travel through the area. Once this closure is complete, we’ll all see a break from the shifting traffic patterns as the contractor wraps up culvert installations and focuses on widening the south side of Pioneer, giving everyone some breathing room before heavy work picks up again in 2025. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we work together to keep Ridgefield moving forward.

Detour Map

The City of Ridgefield has continued to work diligently with contractors, suppliers and regulatory agencies to move the Pioneer Widening and 50^th Place Roundabout project forward. The City has secured all required permits from State and Federal reviewing agencies, and construction is underway.

Through coordination with the contractor and other agencies, we are adapting our phase 1 construction plans to assure the best secondary access point to and through the Costco development area and most effective detour route and schedule. The project team is also working with Costco on their required traffic management measures to minimize disruptions for residents and businesses during Costco’s opening weekend. Finally, the project team set a date for the first of two planned Pioneer Street complete road closures to install major culverts on a weekend when traffic volumes will be the lowest. Each of the closures is anticipated to occur over a weekend and last up to three days.

Traffic Management

When the Ridgefield Costco opens on Thursday, August 29 there will be two routes between Pioneer Street and Costco, one on N 56^th Place and one on N 53^rd Place and Pioneer Canyon Drive. To manage traffic flow, the City has arranged for the installation of a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of 53^rd Place and Pioneer Street. This signal will allow full turns from all directions and will be operational by the time Costco opens, serving as the primary access point for traffic approaching from the west along Pioneer Street. It will be remotely monitored and managed in order to respond and optimize signal timing according to real time conditions.

Ridgefield Police, Ridgefield Public Works, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, Washington State Patrol, and Washington State Department of Transportation have continued to meet with the Costco project team to develop a traffic management plan for the opening day and week of Costco’s grand opening. The plan includes the portable traffic signal, additional signage, traffic flaggers, increased monitoring, emergency access plans, and inter-agency and public communications. Residents should expect increased traffic along Pioneer Street and at the I-5 interchange on Costco’s opening day and weekend. If backups begin to form, our team will be ready to respond. Those traveling through on Pioneer may want to consider alternate routes that Thursday and Friday.

Pioneer Street Detour

UPDATE 9/6/2024: This closure has been cancelled. For up to date traffic alerts, visit https://ridgefieldwa.us/220/Road-Construction-Traffic-Impacts

The first closure of Pioneer Street for the Pioneer Widening and 50^th Place Roundabout project will take place between Friday evening, September 13 and early Monday morning, September 16. This will be a complete closure of Pioneer Street between S 47^th Avenue to N 53^rd Place, to allow the contractors to install a major stream culvert east of 47^th Avenue.

A detour route will be in place along S Royle Road, Wells Drive, Timm Road, S 6^th Way and S 56^th Place. Drivers are also encouraged to choose an appropriate detour for their destination, for example if you are headed to La Center, consider heading north on Royle Road. Please remember to drive the appropriate speed through detours and always keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists and others sharing the roadway.

N 53^rd Place will remain open throughout the mid-September closure, maintaining two ways in and out of the Ridgefield Costco. This closure has been scheduled on a non-peak weekend to minimize impacts on travelers.

Pioneer Street Closure for Culvert Installation:

• Date: Friday Evening, September 13 to Early Monday Morning, September 16
• Details: Pioneer Street will be closed for two days between S 47^th Avenue and N 53^rd Place for installation of a major stream culvert.
• Detour: S Royle Road to Wells Drive, north on Timm Road to S 6^th Way and north on 56^th Place to connect back with Pioneer Street.

The second planned closure of Pioneer Street will be scheduled for mid-October. Additional details for the second closure will be publicized at least two weeks prior.

We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to improve traffic capacity and flow along our highest traffic route. These efforts are crucial to enhance the overall traffic flow and safety for all residents and visitors.

For more information and updates, please visit the Pioneer Widening and 50^th Place project page www.RidgefieldRoundtable.org/i5-to-royle-road

To view and sign up for Traffic Alerts, visit www.RidgefieldWa.us/220/Road-Construction-Traffic-Impacts

Ridgefield's vision for a safer and more efficient transportation network between Interstate 5 and Royle Road will take a significant step forward this summer with the start of the Pioneer Widening and 50^th Place Roundabout project. This capital project is one piece of a group of transportation projects in the area designed to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and accommodate future growth in our vibrant community.

Recognizing the disruptions that these road construction projects will bring, the City of Ridgefield is committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. Any closures affecting Pioneer Street will be announced at least two weeks in advance, providing ample time for residents to plan alternate routes.

How to View and Receive Traffic Impact Notifications:

• Visit RidgefieldWa.us/Traffic to view current and upcoming closures,
• Sign up for email alerts of upcoming closures at RidgefieldWa.us/Traffic
• Follow the City of Ridgefield on Social Media. Traffic notices for Pioneer Street will also be posted on the City of Ridgefield Facebook page, @CityOfRidgefield, and X account, @CityRidgefield.

While the improvements resulting from the Pioneer Widening and 50th Place Roundabout project are eagerly anticipated and much-needed, we understand that the construction process is very likely to impact your travel to work, school or services. To maintain traffic flow, there will ALWAYS be at least two access points between Pioneer Street and Costco open to traffic. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to create a safer, more efficient transportation network for everyone.

Project Phasing Map:

Project Overview Flyer

Download the printable Pioneer Widening Project Overview (PDF) Flyer for a quick reference to project phasing and anticipated timelines.

Project Overview:

Pioneer Widening and 50^th Place construction will consist of five phases, each addressing a specific area of the project. The project was phased strategically to optimize available traffic lanes and minimize delays and detours. Once Costco open, there will always be at least two access points between Pioneer Street and Costco. Road construction by the private developer of Costco/Union Ridge Town Center plays a key role in the success of this project, building new roads and paying for the increased infrastructure needs that their project creates.

Phase 0: Private Developer Work

Construction is currently underway by the private developer of Costco/Union Ridge Town Center (URTC). Their work includes:

• A new Collector road, Pioneer Canyon Drive, between N 56^th Place and the west end of the Union Ridge Town Center development,
• a new commercial collector, N 53^rd Place, between Pioneer Street and Pioneer Canyon Drive,
• an extension of N 56^th Place from Pioneer Street to Costco,
• and a new roundabout at Pioneer Canyon Drive and 56^th Place. The design concept for the center of this new roundabout was recommended by the new Roundabout Committee and approved by City Council.

This work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2024.

Phase 1: N 50^th Place and Pioneer Canyon Drive

The first phase of the city’s project will begin in June 2024. This phase will include construction of N 50^th Place north from Pioneer Street to a western leg of Pioneer Canyon Drive, that will connect with the segment built by URTC.

Two lanes connecting Pioneer Street to the Costco area will open to traffic by the end of August 2024.

Traffic Impacts: Traffic impacts during construction will be minimal to none as this road is not yet open to the public.

Phase 2: N 53^rd Place and Pioneer Street Intersection

Phase 2 construction will begin after Phase 1 in September 2024. This phase of construction will consist of widening Pioneer Street and constructing the intersection at the newly constructed N 53^rd Place and Pioneer Street. The improved section of Pioneer Street will include two travel lanes and a shared use path, separated from vehicles by a planter strip, in either direction.

In Phase 2, Four Lanes will be Open to Traffic by the end of October 2024.

Traffic Impacts: Single lane and complete closures will be necessary at various times. Pioneer Street closures will be minimized and planned for evening and weekend work whenever possible. Community notifications of planned closures will be provided at least two weeks in advance. Traffic will be routed around the closure via N 50th Place, Pioneer Canyon Drive, and N 56th Place.

Phase 3: Pioneer Widening, 53^rd to 56^th Place

Construction on the next phase of the project will begin in Fall 2024. This phase will consist of widening a segment of Pioneer Street between 53^rd and 56^th Place to two travel lanes and a shared use path, separated from vehicles by a planter strip, in either direction.

In Phase 3, Four Lanes will be Open to Traffic by the end of 2024.

Traffic Impacts: Single lane and complete closures will be necessary at various times. Pioneer Street closures will be minimized and planned for evening and weekend work whenever possible. Community notifications of planned closures will be provided at least two weeks in advance. Traffic will be routed around the closure via N 53rd Place, Pioneer Canyon Drive, and N 56th Place.

Phase 4: Pioneer Widening, Royle Road to 53^rd Place

The final project phase will overlap with Phase 3. To complete the Pioneer Widening, Phase 4 will consist of widening Pioneer Street to include two travel lanes and a shared use path, separated from vehicles by a planter strip, in either direction. This phase will also include construction of a new roundabout, at Pioneer Street at 50^th Place.

In Phase 4, Four Lanes will be Open to Traffic by early Spring 2025.

Traffic Impacts: Single lane and complete closures will be necessary at various times. Pioneer Street closures will be minimized and planned for evening and weekend work whenever possible. Community notifications of planned closures will be provided at least two weeks in advance. Traffic will be routed around the closure via detour routes provided in the advance notice.

Phase 5: Pioneer Canyon Drive, West Leg

The final phase of the project will include a short segment of Pioneer Canyon Drive, west of 50th Place. This segment will provide access to the site of the future Ridgefield YMCA. Phase 5 will be completed Summer 2025 and should not have any major impacts on traffic.

Additional project work, such as sidewalks and landscaping, will continue in the project area throughout the four phases and beyond, until final project completion in Summer 2025.

The Pioneer Widening and 50th Place Roundabout project represents a significant investment in Ridgefield's future. By enhancing our infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for continued growth, prosperity, and quality of life for all residents.

For more information, please visit:

• I-5 to Royle Road Transportation Improvements Project Page
• Road Construction and Traffic Impacts Webpage