Improving Safety and Access on W 1st Avenue
A project for safer streets, better access, and a stronger community.
The City of Toppenish is moving forward with a major pedestrian safety project along W 1st Avenue, a high-traffic corridor that has experienced pedestrian fatalities and injuries in recent years. The W 1st Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project will focus on improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists along approximately 0.6 miles from the west city limits to S Alder Street.
The City has been working closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Yakima County, and the Yakama Nation to enhance multimodal travel, improve pedestrian safety, increase access, and reduce traffic conflicts along the corridor.
Proposed safety enhancements include:
- Rechannelizing the roadway from four lanes to two travel lanes with a center turn lane
- Adding bicycle lanes within the existing right-of-way
- Installing new pedestrian crosswalks west of SR 22
- Upgrading signal operations and intersection safety
- Enhancing street lighting to improve nighttime visibility
Design work is anticipated to begin in 2026, with construction expected to follow in 2027.
This project is fully funded in the amount of $1,422,400 through the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Pilot Program, which utilizes Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds to support safer, more equitable transportation networks.
“This project is about protecting our residents and making W 1st Avenue safer for everyone - families walking to businesses, students traveling to school, and community members who simply want to feel safe crossing the street,” said Mayor Elpidia Saavedra. “We are grateful for the support from our regional partners and deeply appreciate the State’s investment through the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program and Climate Commitment Act funding, which makes these critical improvements possible and reflective of our community’s needs and values.”
The City encourages residents, businesses, and corridor users to stay informed as the project progresses.
“This project is a strategic investment in one of Toppenish’s most traveled corridors and will help support safer access to local businesses, schools, and essential services,” said Dan Ford, City Manager. “By reimagining W 1st Avenue to better serve drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, we are building a stronger, more connected community."
- City of Toppenish
- Sandy Williams Connecting Communities
- Yakima County Public Services
- Yakama Nation Transportation
- WSDOT
- Toppenish Chamber of Commerce
- W 1st Avenue is a busy arterial with over 13,000 vehicles per day.
- Two pedestrian fatalities and multiple injuries in the past 10 years.
- Lack of marked pedestrian crossings west of SR 22.
- No bike facilities; sidewalks are narrow and often used as a bike and electric scooter path.
- Street lighting is limited, creating safety risks at night.
- Improve vehicle movement to reduce conflicts with pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Lane Reduction: From 4 lanes to 3 (2 travel lanes + 1 turn lane).
- Bike Lanes: New designated bike lanes.
- Pedestrian Crossings: New crossings with flashing beacons and safety islands.
- Lighting: Additional street lighting for better nighttime visibility.
- ADA Upgrades: Sidewalks, curb ramps, and signal improvements.
- Traffic Calming: Design to reduce speeding and improve safety.
- Planning & Design: 2025 -2026
- Permitting: 2026
- Construction: 2027
- Open to Public: 2027-2028