The full Southeast 1st Street Improvement Project spans from 164th Avenue to 192nd Avenue
The city of Vancouver will begin construction next week on the first phase of a long-awaited project to improve Southeast 1st Street, from 164th Avenue to 177th Avenue.
Originally built as a rural two-lane, farm-to-market roadway, Southeast 1st Street will be upgraded to a complete street multi-modal system with sidewalks, enhanced bike facilities, stormwater bioretention, streetlights, and sound walls where required. The project will enhance safety, increase capacity, improve the road surface, and increase connectivity for homeowners, employees, businesses, and others along this important east Vancouver corridor.
The city of Vancouver has contracted with Lee Contractors LLC, Battle Ground, for construction of the project. Construction hours are generally from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but may be extended to 8 p.m. or include weekends if needed.
Work begins during the week of Dec. 6 with the contractor installing temporary erosion controls and preparing the site. At its start, construction is expected to focus primarily on the north side of Southeast 1st Street from about 164th Avenue and continue east. Work is expected to be substantially complete, including a newly paved surface, about fall 2022.
Southeast 1st Street is expected to remain open during construction, but those traveling the corridor should be prepared for delays, traffic controls and possible lane changes where needed. Pedestrians should be alert to ramp and sidewalk closures. Bicycles and motorcycles are urged to exercise caution. Whether driving, biking, or walking, the city recommends taking a different route during this time to avoid construction disruptions and delays.
The full Southeast 1st Street Improvement Project spans from 164th Avenue to 192nd Avenue.
Phase I reaches from 164th Avenue to 177th Avenue, with additional paving, curb, and sidewalk work between 164th Avenue and 162nd Avenue. Funding for this estimated total $15 million project is provided by local Transportation Benefit District (TBD) vehicle license fees and other funds, a Federal Highway Administration grant awarded through the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council, and a Washington Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant.
Construction on Phase II of the Southeast 1st Street Project, from 177th Avenue to 192nd Avenue, is currently anticipated for construction in late 2022, pending funding.
For more information and ongoing construction updates, please visit the project webpage at www.cityofvancouver.us/FirstStreet.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.