WSDOT outlines $71.5 million SR‑28 East Wenatchee corridor project; design, right‑of‑way and relocations underway
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Summary
WSDOT staff briefed the council on the East Wenatchee Corridor Improvements Project (stages 3 and 4, alternative 3B): $71.5 million to widen SR‑28, build four roundabouts, add sidewalks and bike facilities, replace a fish barrier, and acquire right‑of‑way affecting about 130 parcels; construction expected to start in 2028.
WSDOT staff briefed the Wenatchee City Council on the East Wenatchee Corridor Improvements Project, a $71.5 million plan to widen State Route 28 for roughly two miles between 9th Street and Hadley Street and to construct four multi‑lane roundabouts at major intersections.
Ellen Gaspriti, assistant project engineer, said the project will deliver four lanes with a non‑mountable curb median, sidewalks and shoulders, protected bike facilities, and roundabouts at Valley Mall Parkway, 15th Street, 19th Street and 23rd Street. The design lowers the posted speed limit in the corridor from 40 mph to 35 mph. WSDOT staff said roundabouts were selected after traffic modeling showed safety and reliability benefits over signals. The project includes retaining walls to reduce the footprint, a stormwater containment system, hundreds of utility relocations and a fish‑passage structure at Sand Canyon Creek to replace a fish barrier.
Gaspriti said design and right‑of‑way acquisitions are underway. The project impacts about 130 parcels ranging from temporary easements and strip acquisitions to full acquisitions that may require relocation. WSDOT reported about eight households have already been relocated and some demolitions were expected in fall. Utility relocations may begin as early as 2026 and mainline construction is planned to start in 2028. The agency said it is coordinating with East Wenatchee and Douglas County and that the City of Wenatchee is a project partner for matching funds used in an infrastructure grant.
No council action was required; the presentation was informational. Staff invited the public to upcoming open houses and said another open house will be planned in 2026 as design and right‑of‑way work continue.
