Dallas Road Roundabouts Construction Resumes With Upcoming Closure Of Trowbridge Blvd - 03/12/26

Construction on the Dallas Road Roundabouts Project will resume the week of March 16, 2026, as contractors continue work to improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor.

Beginning Monday, March 16, 2026, Trowbridge Boulevard will be closed at the intersection of Dallas Road to finish the final pavement lift on the southeast corner of the intersection, install the final concrete median islands, and support other ongoing construction activities. The closure is expected to remain in place for approximately three weeks.

During this time, eastbound and westbound traffic on Trowbridge Boulevard will be detoured via Gateway Avenue. Motorists are required to follow posted road work and detour signs, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling through the area.

The Dallas Road Roundabouts Project will introduce modern roundabouts designed to improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The City appreciates the public’s patience as this work progresses and encourages residents to stay alert for construction crews and changing traffic conditions.

For updates on this project visit richlandwa.gov/DallasRoad.

City Of Richland Invites Community Input On Comprehensive Plan And Transportation Systems Plan Update (Photo) - 03/02/26

The City of Richland invites Tri-Cities residents, business owners, and community members to share their input through an online survey as part of ongoing updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Systems Plan.

The survey opens today, March 2 through April 6, 2026, and is available online at richlandwa.gov/CompPlan.

Together, the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Transportation Systems Plan evaluate existing conditions and establish a 20-year framework for local infrastructure policy, planning, and investment through the year 2046. Community feedback is a critical part of shaping how Richland plans for growth, mobility, and quality of life.

“We want to hear directly from our community,” said Planning Manager, Mike Stevens. “This feedback will help us better understand residents’ priorities, concerns, and daily transportation experiences as we plan for Richland’s future.”

The survey includes two components:

• An anonymous survey covering a range of transportation topics, including funding priorities and individual travel habits
• A Pin Map Exercise, which allows participants to leave comments, concerns, or suggestions for specific locations within the City of Richland, such as intersections, corridors, or neighborhoods

Community members are encouraged to participate by scanning the QR code featured on outreach materials or by visiting richlandwa.gov/CompPlan. Responses must be submitted by April 6, 2026.

Construction To Begin On Gage Boulevard & Reata Road Roundabout (Photo) - 02/26/26

The City of Richland is providing advance notice of upcoming construction associated with a new roundabout at the intersection of Reata Road and the future Gage Boulevard extension.

The roundabout is being constructed by the developer of Badger Mountain South and will provide a new intersection connection for the Gage Boulevard extension while creating an additional access point to the South Orchard community currently under development. The project is designed to improve traffic circulation, safety, and long-term connectivity in the area.

Project Scope

Construction activities will include:

• Roundabout construction
• Installation of sidewalks and ADA-compliant crossings along the north side of the roundabout
• Widening of Reata Road, tapering back to existing roadway east of the project limits
• Installation of City water and storm utilities
• Relocation of a Benton County Irrigation District (BMID) water main
• New streetlights
• New asphalt paving
• New striping and signage

Construction Timeline & Traffic Impacts

Construction is anticipated to begin late February to early March 2026, with initial work occurring outside of the existing roadway.

In mid-to-late April 2026, construction is expected to shift into the roadway. At that time:

• A full road closure will be implemented on Reata Road between Southgate Way and Badger View Drive
• A signed detour will route traffic via Sagebrush Road to Bermuda Road, south of the project area

The contractor will coordinate directly with residents within the work zone to maintain access to homes and properties during detour operations. Access to the South Orchard neighborhood via Southgate Way will remain open during detour operations.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in June 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.

The City appreciates the public’s patience during construction and will continue to share updates as the project progresses.

For additional information or future project updates, visit richlandwa.gov/GageReataRoundabout.

City Of Richland Accepting Applications For 2026 Park Food And Beverage Vendors - 02/24/26

The City of Richland is now accepting applications from food and beverage vendors and concessionaires interested in operating within City parks during the 2026 season (April 1-October 31, 2026).

Vendors play an important role in enhancing the park experience for residents and visitors, and the City is seeking high-quality, reliable operators who offer services that complement the unique character and use of each park location.

The selection process is competitive. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including vendor availability, feedback from provided references, the type of food or beverage services offered, and how well those services align with City standards.

• Applications received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, will receive priority consideration.  
• Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026. 

Prospective vendors are encouraged to carefully review available vending locations before applying.  Applications, requirements, park vending locations, and additional details for the 2026 vending season are available online at www.richlandparksandrec.com/ParkVendor.

Richland Public Library Celebrates Grand Opening Of “The Lawn” With Community Events - 02/24/26

The Richland Public Library invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of “The Lawn,” a new outdoor gathering space designed to expand library programming beyond its walls and provide a welcoming place for events, play, study, and connection.

The grand opening will take place on Saturday, March 7, beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive. The ceremony will be followed by a full day of free, family-friendly programming on “The Lawn.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the Library will host Story Time on “The Lawn” at 10:15 a.m., offering families a special outdoor storytelling experience. At 1:00 p.m., the community is invited to return for Holi: Festival of Colors, a vibrant cultural celebration marking the arrival of spring and emphasizing joy, unity, and renewal.

“The Lawn creates new opportunities for the Richland Public Library to bring people together in meaningful ways,” said Chris Nulph, Library Manager. “This space allows us to offer programs that encourage learning, creativity, and community connection in an open, accessible outdoor setting. In addition to hosting events, it provides a place for families to play, students to study, and community members to gather. We’d like to extend special appreciation to the Richland Library Foundation for their financial contribution, which helped make this project a reality.”

Designed as a flexible, multi-use space, “The Lawn” features outdoor lawn games available for children and families, as well as tables and seating with access to power and Wi-Fi, supporting everything from casual play and reading to studying and small group activities. The space will support a wide range of Library programs, events, and partnerships throughout the year, reinforcing the Library’s role as a community hub.

All events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

For more information about the project, visit www.myrichlandlibrary.org/TheLawn.

Next Phase Of Steptoe–Tapteal Intersection Reconstruction Project Begins Monday, February 23 - 02/19/26

Contractors will begin the next phase of construction on the Steptoe–Tapteal Intersection Reconstruction Project starting Monday, February 23, bringing long-term lane closures, reduced speeds, and traffic shifts that are expected to remain in place for up to two months.

This project is a major reconstruction effort designed to improve traffic safety, circulation, and long-term infrastructure reliability at one of Richland’s busiest intersections. When complete, improvements will include the realignment of Tapteal Drive, construction of a new intersection leg to the west to provide access to adjacent commercial property, installation of a new traffic signal, and enhanced pedestrian facilities.

In addition to roadway improvements, installation of a new water main will provide increased fire flow capacity to the City’s water system, improving overall reliability and public safety.

As part of this next construction phase, the contractor will begin work on the east side of Steptoe Street, requiring lane closures and long-term traffic shifts through the project area. This work will also require the temporary closure of the west end of Tapteal Drive at its intersection with Steptoe Street, as the intersection is reconstructed.

During the closure, Tapteal Drive traffic will be detoured via Center Parkway or Columbia Center Boulevard. Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times, and traffic control measures will be in place to guide drivers safely through the area.

Motorists traveling through the area should anticipate delays, particularly during peak travel times, and are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and follow posted signage and traffic control measures.

This is a private developer-funded project, permitted by the City of Richland and constructed by the developer’s contractor. Construction schedules may change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Additional information, including construction phasing and detour updates, will be shared as the project advances. More details are available on the project webpage at richlandwa.gov/SteptoeTapteal.

The City appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure investment moves forward.  To sign up to receive project updates, visit richlandwa.gov/Enotify.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed In Observance Of Presidents’ Day - 02/10/26

In observance of Presidents’ Day, City of Richland offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The closure includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, and the Horn Rapids Landfill. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17.

Garbage collection will continue per the normal schedule.

Essential public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency response, will continue to operate without interruption.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and use online services available through the City’s website during the holiday closure. Information on City services, bill payments, and other resources can be found at richlandwa.gov.