Pioneer Widening and Discovery Drive Roundabout

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