US 12 Naches Active Transportation Corridor Study

The Town of Naches is located in the Naches River valley at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range along the U.S. 12 corridor. Naches has a rich history in agriculture and logging and provides access to a multitude of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities and local produce stands. With the recent extension of the Naches Trail that connects Naches to the Yakima Greenway, there is an increasing presence of cyclists and pedestrians in the community.

Naches is growing in popularity and with seasonal heavy traffic, including semi-trucks and freight traffic along US 12, there are safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians. While parallel roads are designated as bike or non-motorized routes, cycling still frequently occurs along sections of US 12. Additionally, pedestrians in Naches can be found crossing the highway at several unmarked and uncontrolled locations to access businesses and local schools. As a result, safety and access control along US 12 is a growing concern and priority for WSDOT, YVCOG, the Town of Naches and the community.