Coming this summer: A new and improved Mill Plain Boulevard in downtown Vancouver

Vancouver
The crews will replace about 30 trees that are damaging the pavement and sidewalks along East Mill Plain Boulevard and East 15th Street with new, smaller root system trees. Photo by Jacob Granneman

Main thoroughfare of the city center to have various upgrades by working with WSDOT

VANCOUVER – This summer, travel and safety improvements will be made for people traveling on Mill Plain Boulevard (State Route 501) and East 15th Street between Fort Vancouver Way west of I-5 and West 26th Avenue near the Port of Vancouver are en route.

The crews will replace about 30 trees that are damaging the pavement and sidewalks along East Mill Plain Boulevard and East 15th Street with new, smaller root system trees. Photo by Jacob Granneman

As downtown Vancouver continues to grow and develop, more people than ever are using this busy stretch of road.

The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is working closely with the City of Vancouver and the Port of Vancouver to develop improvements and maximize existing infrastructure.

In order to offer cyclists better protection from motorists, the cycle paths will be moved to the curb of the parking lane. Photo by Jacob GrannemanIn order to offer cyclists better protection from motorists, the cycle paths will be moved to the curb of the parking lane. Photo by Jacob Granneman

The agency said in a press release that it is grateful to everyone who contributed during the public engagement effort that helped develop the improvements they hope will benefit travelers of all abilities in the years to come.

The following improvements are being made in downtown Vancouver:

  • Improved pedestrian crossing signals that provide visual and audible cues that notify people when it is safe to cross. These include direction arrows and countdown timers so users know how much time it will take to cross the road safely.
  • New curb ramps that meet current ADA standards. Curb ramps help people of all abilities to safely transition from a street to a braked sidewalk and vice versa.
  • Improved traffic lights on East Mill Plain Boulevard on Columbia Street, Main Street and Broadway Street allow for better clearance for freight traffic.
  • A new pedestrian-activated square, rapidly flashing beacon on south I-5 at the East Mill Plain Boulevard exit.

WSDOT is working closely with the City of Vancouver and the Port of Vancouver to develop improvements and maximize existing infrastructure. Graphic courtesy of WSDOTWSDOT is working closely with the City of Vancouver and the Port of Vancouver to develop improvements and maximize existing infrastructure. Graphic courtesy of WSDOT

In order to offer cyclists better protection from motorists, the cycle paths will be moved to the curb of the parking lane. The bike lanes are expanded from four feet to five and a half feet with a buffer.

In order to raise the awareness of cyclists about cyclists along the road, cycle lanes at intersections are painted green in order to continuously remind drivers of the possibility of the presence of cyclists when merging or changing lanes.

Other improvements for pedestrians include the rebuilding of several sections of the sidewalk. The crews working for the city of Vancouver will replace about 30 trees that are damaging the pavement and sidewalks along East Mill Plain Boulevard and East 15th Street with new, smaller trees with a root system.

Currently, trucks carrying oversized cargoes from the Port of Vancouver onto I-5 often navigate sections of Mill Plain due to high points on the road and low traffic lights. Photo by Jacob GrannemanCurrently, trucks carrying oversized cargoes from the Port of Vancouver onto I-5 often navigate sections of Mill Plain due to high points on the road and low traffic lights. Photo by Jacob Granneman

WSDOT is working with the city to donate the removed trees to a local nonprofit that will recycle the wood and revitalize it as a locally made commodity.

To improve freight mobility, the crews will also reconstruct the intersections of East Mill Plain Boulevard on Washington Street and Main Street.

Currently, trucks moving oversized cargoes from the Port of Vancouver to I-5 often use the city streets to navigate sections of East Mill Plain Boulevard due to the high points and low hanging traffic lights along the street that are often too long Roads carry loads on the ground.

WSDOT is working with the city to donate the removed trees to a local nonprofit that will recycle the wood and revitalize it as a locally made commodity. Photo by Jacob GrannemanWSDOT is working with the city to donate the removed trees to a local nonprofit that will recycle the wood and revitalize it as a locally made commodity. Photo by Jacob Granneman

Junction improvements are scheduled to begin on Monday May 3, and paving work is scheduled to begin on Monday July 26.

Two separate weekend closings are required for the construction work. one on East Mill Plain Boulevard and Washington Street and the other on East Mill Plain Boulevard and Main Street, currently scheduled to take place in June.

WSDOT is closely coordinating the construction work with the city of Vancouver, which is also being built in the city center. Before getting started this summer, WSDOT recommends signing up to receive email updates or text notifications and download our mobile app.

Information from Tamara Greenwell and WSDOT

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