Roundabout, sidewalks, road rebuilds part of Othello six-year street plan
Upgrades are planned for streets throughout Othello as part of the city’s six-year street plan.
FILE PHOTO
OTHELLO — A roundabout at the intersection of SR 26 and South 14th Avenue is the top priority for Othello city officials, with the goal of construction in 2029. The project is part of the city’s annual six-year street plan approved by the Othello City Council Monday.
Othello Public Works Director Robin Adolphsen said the plan can be amended as needed.
“These projects are the next six years, what we think we're going to see, and it can be revised yearly. So this is for 2026 to 2031 but can be revised next year if we choose to,” Adolphsen said.
The list is a requirement if the city wants to apply for some state funding, she said.
Cost of a roundabout was estimated at about $5 million, with the city contributing about $500,000. The tentative construction date was 2029.
In October 2025, council members discussed but ultimately turned down a proposal to work with the Port of Othello to determine if the project could be built with grant funding. Council members at the time – some of whom are no longer on the council – said they thought it should be a DOT project.
The second priority is rebuilding South 14th Avenue from East Main Street to East Ash Street. The roadwork would include new sidewalks and wastewater system improvements between East Main and East Hemlock. The project is scheduled for 2027 with an estimated cost of $2 million. City officials will be looking for funding from the Transportation Improvement Board.
Adding a left turn lane and sidewalks on a portion of SR 24 was the third priority. The project would extend from the SR 26 access road to the roundabout at West Bench Road. Total cost would be about $3 million, with the city responsible for about $500,000. The anticipated start date is 2027.
The fourth priority is rebuilding a section of North Broadway Avenue from East Fir Street to the northern city limits. The goal is a full reconstruction, rebuilding from the roadbed and improving sidewalks and gutters. Total cost was projected at $3 million, with $800,000 paid by the city. Project design is tentatively scheduled for 2027, with construction in 2028.
Once North Broadway is done, the focus would shift to South Broadway, from East Main Street to the SR 26 overpass. Along with roadway improvements, the project would include upgraded storm sewers and new sidewalks. Anticipated cost would be about $2 million, with the city contributing $300,000.
The plan also includes annual crack sealing and chip sealing projects with the actual roads to be determined as needed.
Other projects include improvements to East Juniper Street from South Seventh to South 14th Avenues; the street will be rebuilt with new sidewalks and new curb ramps. East Ash Street will be resurfaced between the same streets. Lee Road will be reconfigured between North Seventh and North 14th Avenues to include turn lanes and improved stormwater drainage. None of those projects have anticipated start dates.