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Richland staff lays out 2027 Transportation Improvement Program, flags large SR 240 and pedestrian projects
Summary
Carlo presented the draft 2027 TIP, highlighting partially funded SR 240 Erin Interchange (construction estimated over $30 million), an approximately $12 million ped/bike bridge partially funded with $5 million from the state, and $3 million for Safe Routes to School; the council was briefed on funding constraints and next steps for adoption.
City transportation staff presented the draft 2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), explained the state requirement for a six-year program, and reviewed funded, partially funded and unfunded priorities ahead of a June 2 public hearing and anticipated council resolution.
Carlo said the SR 240 Erin Interchange project is partially funded for design but not for construction, which he estimated as an over $30,000,000 construction project requiring additional grant or legislative funding. He described the project’s scope — replacing a signalized intersection with a roundabout and a bridge to separate southbound traffic movements — and noted it includes an active-transportation (bike/ped) connection to the Yakima River corridor.
Carlo also reviewed a proposed pedestrian/ped-bike bridge across SR 240 between Steptoe and Columbia Center Boulevard: the total project is roughly $12,000,000, with $5,000,000 secured from the state legislature; staff continue to seek remaining funding. Funded items included the Center Parkway South Extension (ready from a design standpoint but awaiting rights to build on Bonneville Power Administration property) and systemic pedestrian crossing and intersection safety improvements at several city locations. He said the city has $3,000,000 earmarked for Safe Routes to School work expected to reach design this year and construction in late 2027 or 2028 across all elementary schools.
Carlo explained the role of the TIP: it coordinates statewide financial planning for transportation grants and identifies which projects the city will seek funding for. He described the city’s pavement preservation program (an annual maintenance program managed separately from TIP projects), and said the StreetSaver tool prioritizes streets for treatment by maximizing remaining service life given budget constraints. He recommended the council review the draft TIP and attend the June 2 public hearing; the city needs council action before the regional and statewide processes conclude by June 30.
Council members asked clarifying questions on sidewalk and pavement projects, how pavement preservation is prioritized, and how citizens report potholes. Carlo said citizens who report potholes will have crews scheduled to repair them and described the funding mix for pavement preservation (Transportation Benefit District, REET, general fund and gas tax). The council did not take formal TIP action during the workshop; staff expected Planning Commission and Parks & Rec recommendations prior to the June 2 hearing.
