Planning study news
The Washington State Department of Transportation is conducting a corridor study to help inform future improvements and investments that will benefit and support all users of SR 503.
Purpose
WSDOT is studying how people use SR 503 and how continued growth might affect future use. Focus areas include addressing gaps in active transportation (e.g., biking, walking and rolling) facilities, access to transit, vehicle traffic pain points, safety improvements and freight mobility planning. The study will result in the SR 503 Corridor Plan, a long-term vision for SR 503, with recommended improvements and investments to benefit users of SR 503 and nearby communities.
Earlier this year, WSDOT hosted an online open house to gather input from people who use this corridor. The ideas and comments received will be considered in the development and refinement of future improvements and investments that will benefit and support travelers of all modes and abilities for many years to come.
SR 503 is an important north-south highway connecting Battle Ground, Vancouver and the surrounding communities in north and central Clark County, WA. It serves residents and businesses along the corridor, carrying local commuters, freight and regional recreational traffic. Ongoing development through Battle Ground and Brush Prairie is fueling urban and suburban growth along the corridor.
In 2019, between 19,000 and 32,000 vehicles used SR 503 each day. As the corridor continues to develop, WSDOT expects increased demand and growing delays at peak travel times. In light of this, WSDOT seeks to identify operational enhancements and transportation improvements that will benefit all users of the highway.
The SR 503 Corridor Plan will focus on SR 503 and the surrounding areas from NE 99th Street to NE 244th Street/NW 25th Street. The study team and its partners will:
- Review vehicle access along the corridor to determine whether it is too restricted or too unrestricted.
- Develop strategies for a connected and low-stress active transportation network.
- Consider industrial, commercial and residential growth in the city of Battle Ground and north Clark County and its effects on congestion.
- Explore Practical Solutions and Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies to maximize use of existing infrastructure.
- Determine Transportation Demand Management, transit and other TSMO strategies to provide mobility, access and congestion relief.
- Improve corridor safety.
- Identify any equity and environmental justice issues and determine strategies to address them.