Kennewick adopts 6‑year Transportation Improvement Plan with 49 projects, including Kellogg/Deschutes signal

The Kennewick City Council unanimously adopted the six‑year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) on June 2 after a staff presentation by Design Services Manager Heath Milot.

"This [TIP] is required by the state," Milot told the council, citing RCW 35.70.710 and explaining that the TIP covers motorized and non‑motorized projects and is tied to the city’s 20‑year transportation system plan. Milot said the city added five projects this year, bringing the TIP to roughly 49 projects: a proposed traffic signal at Kellogg Street and Deschutes Avenue; construction on Ridgeline Drive (Quad Felter Road to Florida Place); Florida Place Extension (developer driven); repairs to Union Street retaining walls; and a roundabout at Ridgeline Drive and Plaza Way.

Milot described project phasing (preliminary engineering, right of way and construction), funding years through 2032, and next steps including BFCOG (Benton‑Franklin Council of Governments) review, an area‑wide informational hearing and forwarding to the Washington State Department of Transportation for STIP inclusion. He told council members the city will post maps and a 4‑page project table online as part of exhibit A to the resolution.

During questions, Council Member Clippert asked who to contact about weeds in medians and sidewalks. Milot said the city uses an annual herbicide contract, maintains a two‑year contractor warranty and asks residents to report problem areas so the contractor can reapply. Council Member Trumbo asked why Bob Olson signal projects were removed from the TIP; staff said the projects were already out to construction and will be completed later this year.

Public comment during the hearing included a request from Warren Hughes to consider neighborhood streets such as Park Hills Drive in future years. After public testimony the council moved to adopt the TIP; the motion passed unanimously.