When the traffic signal on state Highway 500 at Stapleton Road and Northeast 54th Avenue was eliminated six years ago, pedestrians lost access to a crossing and were forced to use alternate routes, such as the overcrossing at Northeast Falk Road and 42nd Avenue or farther away.
But that is about to change. Construction of the long-awaited pedestrian overcrossing at 54th/Stapleton began earlier this month and is expected to be completed early next year.
“In 2018, for drivers’ safety, we removed the signalized intersections along SR 500, which closed pedestrian access across the highway,” Washington State Department of Transportation Project Engineer Susan Fell said in a statement. “We made a commitment to return, once funding was obtained, to restore the north/south connection across the highway for those who walk, bike and roll.”
The new structure will increase safety and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the transportation department.
The structure will incorporate straight ramps with a gradual incline and a wide turning radius so people riding bicycles or using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can easily climb the grade and make the turns comfortably.
The bridge will also include a resting spot midway along each ramp on both sides of the structure.
Pedestrians will access the bridge via new bicycle lanes and along existing sidewalks from Northeast 54th Avenue and Stapleton Road.
Crews will also remove existing concrete traffic islands where previous traffic signals were located and install LED highway lighting.
Traffic impacts
Drivers should expect intermittent single-lane closures in the area through December, as crews construct the walls, ramps and bridge.
Eastbound Highway 500 will see single-lane closures through Sept. 6, as well as daytime offramp closures at Northeast Stapleton Road between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., according to a WSDOT spokesperson.
Westbound Highway 500 will see single-lane closures between Aug. 5 and Sept. 6. Additionally, there will be off- and onramp closures at Northeast 54th Avenue starting Mondays at 6 a.m. and ending on Fridays at 6 p.m.
A brief nighttime closure of the highway will also be needed to install bridge girders. The date of the nighttime closure has not been determined but will be announced in advance.
In the meantime, pedestrians who want to access either side of state Highway 500 at Northeast 54th Avenue and Stapleton Road will need to continue to use alternate routes.
However, pedestrians, bicyclists and people who use personal mobility devices can use a no-fare, on-demand shuttle service provided by C-Tran to cross the highway. To book a ride, call 360-695-0123.
The total cost for the project is estimated at $8.7 million, using a combination of local, state and federal funds, according to the agency.
To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4ccl4LD.
