Pioneer Widening Project Update: May 15, 2025
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 47th Ave (Discovery Ridge/Rosauers), the westbound left turn onto S 47th Ave and the westbound right lane entering the Royle and Pioneer roundabout.
- Headed westbound, left turns onto S 47th 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 56th 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.
