Proposed development prompts discussion of city street improvements in Othello
A proposed development, including a roundabout, along SR 24 in Othello kicked off a discussion of road improvements along the highway.
COURTESY IMAGE/CITY OF OTHELLO
OTHELLO — The proposed redevelopment of a commercial site in the south section of Othello prompted discussion of what that development, and others, would mean for city streets along SR 24, and for the state highway itself.
City Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said the conclusions reached so far are reflected a planning document scheduled to be submitted to the Othello City Council sometime in August or early September
“That is on our six-year street plan, to update those roads so they’re not gravel,” she said.
The proposed development, a mini-mart travel plaza, is at the intersection of SR 24 and East Curtis Drive. Terry Alapeteri, HLA Engineering, Yakima, said June 22 construction is scheduled for spring 2027.
Councilmember Angel Garza said development presents a challenge for the city no matter when it happens.
“Curtis Street and Industrial Lane are all gravel,” Garza said.
The developers originally proposed a stoplight for the intersection, Alapeteri said, but Washington Department of Transportation officials said a roundabout would be the preferred option. Garza said there are a lot of businesses along that section of SR 24 that generate a lot of truck traffic.
“It’s going to be a very used roundabout," Garza said. The question, he said, is whether the city has looked into paving Curtis Drive and Industrial Lane for the future.
A section of Curtis Drive will be paved regardless, since the travel plaza developers will be required to pave it to the end of their property. Paving the rest of Curtis, South Industrial Lane and Summit Street, along with all the other gravel roads, will be up to the city and the property owners, Adolphsen said.
“They’re all due for upgrades,” she told council members. “It’s an expensive project to get those paved.”
Most of the gravel roads along SR 24 are on the six-year street plan, she said, although other projects may have priority.
That isn’t the only development being proposed for that section of SR 24. Adolphsen said an unrelated commercial project is being proposed for the intersection of SR 24 and Summit Street. A residential development along SR 24 also is in discussion, and once the infrastructure for that project is in, Adolphsen said she expects more interest from developers. All that will increase traffic, both on SR 24 and city streets.
In the case of SR 24, city officials are hoping to reconfigure the highway to add a center turn lane. That too is on the six-year street plan, so it can be eligible for funding. Adolphsen said the preferred route for funding is the regional Transportation Improvement Board, but that has prerequisites. Any project submitted for funding must be on the six-year street plan.