Ridgefield is taking a major leap towards a safer and more efficient transportation network connecting Interstate 5 and Royle Road. The Pioneer Widening and 50th Place Roundabout project is set to commence this summer, marking a significant milestone. This initiative is a crucial component of a broader set of transportation projects in the region, all designed to streamline traffic flow, improve road safety, and support the future growth of our thriving community.
The City of Ridgefield recognizes that road construction can cause disruptions, and is dedicated to keeping residents well-informed throughout every stage of the project. Any planned closures affecting Pioneer Street will be announced at least two weeks in advance, giving residents sufficient time to arrange alternative travel routes.
To help you stay updated on traffic impacts, the city will provide regular notifications. While the improvements from the Pioneer Widening and 50th Place Roundabout project are highly anticipated and much-needed, it’s understood that construction will likely affect daily commutes to work, school, and local services. To minimize disruption, there will ALWAYS be at least two access points between Pioneer Street and Costco remaining open to traffic. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to build a safer, more efficient transportation network for everyone.
Project Phasing Map:
Project Phasing Map for Pioneer Street Widening and 50th Place Roundabout in Ridgefield
Project Overview
The Pioneer Widening and 50th Place construction project is strategically divided into five phases, each targeting a specific area. This phased approach is designed to maximize the use of available traffic lanes and reduce potential delays and detours. Even after Costco opens, maintaining at least two access points between Pioneer Street and Costco will remain a priority. Crucially, road construction by the private developer of Costco and the Union Ridge Town Center is integral to this project’s success. They are responsible for constructing new roads and contributing to the necessary infrastructure upgrades prompted by their development.
Phase 0: Private Developer Initiatives
Currently, the private developer of Costco/Union Ridge Town Center (URTC) is actively engaged in construction. Their work encompasses several key elements:
- Construction of Pioneer Canyon Drive, a new collector road, spanning from N 56th Place to the western edge of the Union Ridge Town Center development.
- Development of N 53rd Place, a new commercial collector road, connecting Pioneer Street and Pioneer Canyon Drive.
- Extension of N 56th Place, stretching from Pioneer Street to the new Costco location.
- Establishment of a new roundabout at the intersection of Pioneer Canyon Drive and 56th Place. The design concept for the center of this roundabout was thoughtfully recommended by the Roundabout Committee and received approval from the City Council.
This initial phase is expected to reach completion by the end of August 2024.
Phase 1: N 50th Place and Pioneer Canyon Drive Construction
The city’s project officially kicks off in June 2024 with Phase 1. This phase focuses on building N 50th Place northward from Pioneer Street, connecting to the western segment of Pioneer Canyon Drive that is being constructed by URTC.
By the end of August 2024, two traffic lanes providing access between Pioneer Street and the Costco area will be open for public use.
Traffic Impacts: Minimal to no traffic disruptions are anticipated during this phase, as the roads under construction are not yet accessible to the public.
Phase 2: N 53rd Place and Pioneer Street Intersection Improvements
Following the completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 construction will commence in September 2024. This phase involves widening Pioneer Street and constructing a new intersection at the junction of the newly built N 53rd Place and Pioneer Street. The improved section of Pioneer Street will feature two travel lanes in each direction, along with a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, separated from the road by a planter strip.
Phase 2 aims to have Four Lanes Open to Traffic by the end of October 2024.
Traffic Impacts: Expect single lane closures and occasional complete closures during this phase. Closures on Pioneer Street will be kept to a minimum and are planned for evening and weekend hours whenever feasible. Community notifications regarding planned closures will be issued at least two weeks in advance. Detour routes will guide traffic around closures using N 50th Place, Pioneer Canyon Drive, and N 56th Place.
Phase 3: Pioneer Street Widening from 53rd to 56th Place
Construction for Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in Fall 2024. This phase will focus on widening Pioneer Street between 53rd and 56th Place. The improvements will mirror Phase 2, with two travel lanes in each direction and a separated shared-use path.
Phase 3 is on track to have Four Lanes Open to Traffic by the end of 2024.
Traffic Impacts: Similar to Phase 2, expect single lane and complete closures as needed. Pioneer Street closures will be minimized and scheduled for evenings and weekends whenever possible. Advance community notifications of at least two weeks will be provided for planned closures. Traffic will be detoured via N 53rd Place, Pioneer Canyon Drive, and N 56th Place.
Phase 4: Pioneer Street Widening from Royle Road to 53rd Place and Roundabout Construction
Phase 4, the final widening phase, will overlap with Phase 3. This phase will complete the Pioneer Street Widening project by expanding Pioneer Street to include two travel lanes and a separated shared-use path in each direction, extending from Royle Road to 53rd Place. A new roundabout at the intersection of Pioneer Street and 50th Place will also be constructed during this phase.
Phase 4 anticipates Four Lanes Open to Traffic by early Spring 2025.
Traffic Impacts: Single lane and complete closures are expected intermittently. Pioneer Street closures will be minimized and planned for evenings and weekends where possible. Detour routes will be communicated in advance notices, ensuring traffic can navigate around any closures.
Phase 5: Pioneer Canyon Drive, West Leg Completion
The concluding phase, Phase 5, involves finishing a short section of Pioneer Canyon Drive, located west of 50th Place. This segment is crucial as it will provide access to the future Ridgefield YMCA site. Phase 5 is scheduled for completion in Summer 2025 and is not expected to cause significant traffic disruptions.
Ongoing Project Work
Additional project activities, including sidewalk and landscaping installations, will continue throughout all four phases and beyond, until the entire project reaches final completion in Summer 2025.
The Pioneer Widening and 50th Place Roundabout project is a substantial investment in the future of Ridgefield. By upgrading our infrastructure, we are building a strong foundation for sustained growth, prosperity, and an enhanced quality of life for all our residents.
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