SR 28 and SR 21 - in Odessa - Paving and Complete Streets

WSDOT is hosting a public workshop to help shape Complete Streets alternatives coming up on Thursday, May 8, at the Odessa High School Multipurpose Room - 107 E. 4th Ave., Odessa, WA 99159.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with workshop going from 5-6:30 p.m. Virtual option is also available via Microsoft Team:
https://bit.ly/OdessaWorkshop
Meeting ID: 244 153 520 022 9
Passcode: Tm9ND3X2

Light refreshments and an unsupervised kids area will be provided.

Project overview

This project will rehabilitate both SR 21 and SR 28 within the city limits of Odessa in Lincoln County. The roadway is past its expected lifespan and due for replacement. Along with repaving the roadway, complete streets will be used to look at active transportation within the city limits.

Timeline

Spring 2025 - Summer 2027

Project status

Pre-construction

Funding

$9.85 Million

Project hotline

509-323-8411

What to expect

This project is 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.

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Project location map for the town of Odessa Complete Streets and paving.

History and background

State Routes (SR) 21 and 28 within the town of Odessa have been identified as needing the pavement rehabilitated to preserve the roadway structure. The original scope of this project involved rehabilitating the existing pavement with a hot mix asphalt (HMA) 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 Odessa paving project for SR 21 and SR 28 to require implementation of the Complete Streets requirement. Complete Streets is expected to be implemented on SR 28 from 4th Avenue to Hopp Road and from Division Street to May Avenue 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 will include coordination with local and regional jurisdictions, identify any Complete Streets needs, community engagement, development and selection of preferred Complete Streets alternatives and 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.

SR 28 and SR 21 - in Odessa - Paving and Complete Streets

Project overview

What to expect

History and background

Complete Streets FAQ

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