US-2 Multimodal Project Advances Through 90% Design
The City of Airway Heights continues to make progress on the US-2 Multimodal Project, a long-term effort to improve safety, access, and mobility along the City’s main transportation corridor. The project is currently in the 90% design phase, a key milestone that reflects years of planning, technical analysis, coordination, and community input.
At this stage, the City and its consultant team are actively coordinating with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as part of the 90% design review process. Because US-2 is a state highway, WSDOT reviews design elements to ensure they meet state and federal standards. The project team is currently reviewing and responding to WSDOT comments, which is a normal and expected step before final design.
Why Improvements Are Needed
US-2 plays a critical role in Airway Heights, serving as both a regional highway and the City’s main street. Data collected over multiple years shows that this dual role has created ongoing safety challenges. Portions of US-2 in Airway Heights are identified on the High Injury Network, meaning crashes resulting in serious injury or fatality are more likely to occur along the corridor.
Crash data and analysis, including an accident heat map shared with local businesses earlier this year, show a consistently high number of collisions along US-2, including fatal and serious injury crashes. These conditions align with statewide trends addressed through WSDOT’s Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by focusing on safer speeds, safer road design, and better accommodation for all users. Improving corridor design is a key strategy for reducing crash severity and improving overall safety.
In addition to safety, the project is intended to support local businesses by reinforcing US-2 as a functional and welcoming Main Street. The design approach focuses on maintaining access, improving pedestrian connectivity, and encouraging local traffic to stop, shop, and spend time along the corridor rather than simply passing through. These improvements are intended to help retain existing businesses and support long-term economic vitality.
A Three-Phase Approach
The US-2 Multimodal Project is organized into three phases that advance improvements identified in the US-2 Corridor Plan and the Downtown Strategic Plan.
Phase I focuses on the segment between Lawson Avenue and Lundstrom Street, where improvements support the City’s downtown vision. Planned upgrades include shared-use paths, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts designed to calm traffic while maintaining flow. Phase I design is nearing completion as part of the current 90% review process.
Phase II extends these improvements from east of Craig Road to west of Lundstrom Street and then from east of Lawson to west of Garfield Road, continuing the focus on safer crossings, multimodal connections, and improved access along the corridor.
The Garfield Road intersection will be a standalone phase, where a roundabout is planned to replace the existing signal and improve long-term safety and operations. Construction of the Garfield phase is anticipated in 2026, pending right-of-way coordination with property owners at the intersection.
Continued Coordination and Engagement
Ongoing coordination with WSDOT will continue as design details are refined. Public outreach for the US-2 Multimodal Project is also being coordinated with the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update, allowing residents and business owners to engage in broader discussions about the City’s future while learning about corridor improvements.
In the coming months, the City plans to provide online resources featuring updated project information and graphics, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.
Looking Ahead
Completion of the 90% design phase represents significant progress toward implementing long-planned improvements along US-2. Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming outreach opportunities and visit the City’s website for the most current project updates and information.
Project Schedule
Garfield Roundabout: Construction in 2026/2027
Phase 1: Construction anticipated in 2028
Phase 2: Construction anticipated in 2030
Project Contacts
Heather Trautman, City of Airway Heights, [email protected], (509) 242-3603
Rawley Voorhies, Century West Engineering, [email protected], (503) 419-2132