Public Works plans South Cloverdale Road improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow

During a recent meeting of the Cowlitz County Commissioners, significant discussions centered around long-term infrastructure projects aimed at improving road safety and traffic flow in the region. The meeting highlighted a decade-long effort to enhance the intersection of South Cloverdale and Confer Roads, which has been identified as a critical area due to limited sight distance and increasing traffic pressure.

Commissioner Sean Roey emphasized the importance of this project, noting that it involves lowering Confer Road to improve visibility and straightening curves to enhance safety. These improvements are part of a proactive approach to prevent future accidents in a developing area that experiences heavy traffic, especially during disruptions on Interstate 5. The project aims to upgrade major roads, including South Cloverdale Road and Coal Creek, to accommodate larger vehicles and improve overall traffic management.

The discussion also touched on the potential need for an additional overpass to alleviate congestion, particularly in the Woodland area, which has been described as a choke point for traffic between Calama and Woodland. The current road conditions have led to significant gridlock, prompting the need for alternative routes that can handle increased vehicle loads.

In addition to road improvements, the meeting addressed a bid award for a roof replacement project at the county building. The contract was awarded to Weather Guard for $423,752, following a competitive bidding process that attracted seven bidders.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing infrastructure to support community safety and traffic efficiency. As these projects move forward, they are expected to yield significant benefits for residents and local services, including emergency response teams. The commissioners plan to continue monitoring progress and addressing any challenges that arise during implementation.