Ridgefield receives over $800,000 in transportation improvement funds

Ridgefield has been awarded nearly $900,000 over a six-year period by the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), Clark County’s metropolitan planning organization designated by the state. The grant funds were provided to correct an earlier oversight. Previously, the RTC had allocated only $15,000 annually based on Ridgefield’s 2010 census population, which was significantly lower than its 2020 population by over 5,000 residents. Last week, Ridgefield’s City Council selected three projects to be funded over the next six years.

Ridgefield/Interstate 5 south connector project, stage 2

In 2021, the City of Ridgefield completed the preliminary design phase for a new road that will connect Ridgefield to Interstate 5, south of View Ridge Middle School. A grant from the RTC will support the second phase, which involves hiring consultants to select a preferred road design alternative. Additionally, consultants would conduct environmental impact studies necessary for future development. This phase aims to advance the city’s efforts toward securing legislative grants for construction funds. The RTC will provide $268,758 in grants, with an additional $41,945 funded by the state.

South 10th/11th Street overpass

Ridgefield aims to construct an overpass connecting South 10th and 11th streets over Interstate 5, south of the city’s interchange, by 2025. The overpass will link Union Ridge Parkway in east Ridgefield to South Timm Road on the west side of I-5. The RTC will fund the initial design phase, advancing the project to qualify for state grants for the final design. The RTC will contribute $391,000, while the city will provide $61,000 in matching funds from its general fund.

Hillhurst at Carty Road enhanced crosswalk

Hillhurst Road serves as the only access point to View Ridge Middle School. Carty Road, connecting Hillhurst Road to several residential buildings, has no sidewalks for pedestrian access. The city plans to develop a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists on the south side of Carty Road, extending half a mile eastward from Hillhurst. Ridgefield will use funding to design the trail and to plan and construct a crosswalk at this intersection, marking the project’s initial phase. The RTC will provide $240,000, supplemented by a $37,500 match from the state.