The City of Pasco proudly announces the opening of the Lewis Street Overpass. Starting at noon, April 26, a caravan of vehicles representing local businesses, the community, and the City of Pasco traveling east from 2nd Avenue will make the overpass accessible to the public. This vital infrastructure project bridges the central business district with the growing eastern neighborhoods, significantly boosting accessibility and community connectivity.
The overpass stretches from 2nd Avenue on the west to Oregon Avenue on the east and features a 625-foot four-span concrete structure over the BNSF Railway yard and a 70-foot single span over 1st Avenue. Additionally, the project includes 3,000 feet of new two-lane urban streets and upgrades to key intersections.
Project Highlights:
•Accessibility and Safety Improvements: The overpass, with wide, ADA-compliant sidewalks and bicycle lanes, ensures safe, accessible routes for all pedestrians and cyclists.
•Community and Economic Advancement: The new overpass is expected to drive economic growth and revitalization, improving access to various parts of the city.
•Enhanced Urban Mobility: This crucial structure supports efficient emergency services, freight movement, and public transportation, enhancing overall city logistics and safety.
"The Lewis Street Overpass not only facilitates smoother travel across our city but also enhances safety and accessibility for all residents, including those with disabilities," stated Interim Public Works Director Maria Serra. "This project represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to building a more connected and accessible community in Pasco."
Background on the Need for Replacement:
The community has been seriously discussing replacing the outdated Lewis Street underpass since the 1990s, culminating in a pivotal study completed in 2000 that recommended the overpass concept. Originally constructed in 1937, the underpass was not ADA-compliant and functionally obsolete with its narrow lanes, low clearance, and poor visibility, creating a bottleneck for traffic and a hazard for pedestrians. Its closure on February 26 and subsequent replacement with the new overpass address these critical transportation and safety issues, enhancing the connectivity and vitality of the community.
Note: While the overpass will be open for traffic, the entire project still needs to be completed. Final touches, including landscaping, are still underway and will be completed in the coming months. A formal ribbon-cutting celebration will take place later this year.
For additional information about the opening of the Lewis Street Overpass and its impact on the Pasco community, please visit www.pasco-wa.gov/lewisstreet.