US 2 and SR 21 - Town of Wilbur – Paving & Complete Streets

Project overview

This project will rehabilitate State Route 21 and US 2 within the town of Wilbur. Aspects of Complete Streets will be applied to the project which includes updates for active transportation.

Timeline

Spring 2025 - Fall 2027

Project status

Not started

Funding

$11.6 Million

Project hotline

509-503-8184

What to expect

This project is currently in the pre-design phase to identify, select, and begin the design of the necessary Complete Streets strategies to implement as part of a paving project for this corridor. The addition of Complete Streets strategies to the paving project aims to improve the active transportation environment along and across the project corridors.

Pre-design is expected to continue through fall 2025, after which full design will occur from late 2025 to early 2027. This project will be delivered using the Design-Bid-Build process, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2027. This schedule is preliminary and may change depending on the results of the pre-design phase.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
The pre-design phase of the project will include opportunities for the public to participate in this process. More information about future opportunities will be provided in this section of the webpage as details become available. For more details on Complete Streets, refer to the FAQs under the Related Links tab.

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Zoomed out map view locating the Wilbur project limits.

History and background

State Route (SR) 21 and US 2 within the Town of Wilbur have been identified as needing their asphalt concrete pavement rehabilitated to preserve the roadway structure and the public investment in highways. The original scope of this project involved rehabilitating the existing pavement with a hot mix asphalt pavement and upgrade basic safety features within the project limits to maintain safe highway operations.

In 2022, Move Ahead Washington was passed by the Washington State Legislature, which included a requirement for WSDOT to incorporate principles of Complete Streets into transportation projects with an estimated budget greater than $500,000 and starting design on or after July 1, 2022. To aid in the implementation of this requirement, WSDOT established a Complete Streets process that first screens all programmed projects for Complete Streets applicability and subsequently provides a planning and conceptual design phase – known as pre-design – and target outcomes for projects that are required to incorporate Complete Streets. More information about the Complete Streets requirement and WSDOT’s implementation process is available on WSDOT’s Complete Streets page.

The Complete Streets screening process found the Town of Wilbur paving project for US 2 and SR 21 to require implementation of the Complete Streets requirement. Complete Streets is expected to be implemented on US 2 from NW Portland St to the Dollar General Store and from NW Main Ave to SW Front Ave on SR 21. These extents may be adjusted as the project progresses. A pre-design phase has been initiated to conduct this analysis and identify the preferred Complete Streets implementation along and across the corridor. The pre-design phase includes the following tasks:

Coordination with local and regional jurisdictions
Identification of Complete Streets gaps and needs
Community engagement
Development and selection of preferred Complete Streets alternatives
30% design of preferred alternatives
Documentation

Complete Streets FAQ

What is Complete Streets?: This new design approach serves all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of travel. It focuses on planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining a transportation system that provides comfortable and convenient access to destinations for everyone. Accessibility is especially important for people who walk, bike, or roll, with "rolling" referring to mobility by wheelchair or other assistive devices. This approach aims to create a transportation system that works for everyone, strengthens communities, expands options for non-drivers, and makes travel more reliable. It also includes ensuring ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks, especially at high-traffic intersections. Safety and community collaboration are the most important aspects of this approach. For more information visit WSDOT’s Complete Streets website.

Why is WSDOT using funds towards improvements for bicycles and pedestrians? : In 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed Move Ahead Washington, requiring WSDOT to incorporate Complete Streets principles into transportation projects in population centers with an estimated budget over $500,000 and starting design on or after July 1, 2022. WSDOT adopted these principles to enhance access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation users, in projects constructed on state highways consistent with RCW 47.04.035. This approach aims to improve accessibility not only for those who choose to walk and bike for leisure and recreation but for those who rely on these modes as their primary means of transportation.

Why is WSDOT spending money on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure if I don’t see people walking or biking? : By law, it is WSDOT’s responsibility to invest in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to create more accessible and comfortable environments for all mode users. A lack of people currently walking and biking can often be traced to the existing environment feeling uncomfortable and exposed. When more dedicated and comfortable options are available, more people are likely to walk or bike. Studies show that providing these facilities encourages more people to choose active transportation, reducing traffic congestion, improving public health, and enhancing community well-being.

Will any car lanes be removed to make room for bicycle or pedestrian improvements?: In some cases, car lanes may be reconfigured or reduced to accommodate other modes of transportation, especially if the goal is to enhance safety and improve traffic flow for all users. However, each project location is unique requiring a careful study and alternative solutions are considered.

US 2 and SR 21 - Town of Wilbur – Paving & Complete Streets

Project overview

What to expect

History and background

Complete Streets FAQ

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