Construction work has paused for the winter on a pedestrian overpass across state Highway 500 at Stapleton Road/54th Avenue in Vancouver. Crews will finish the $8.7 million project in spring or summer, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Before work stopped, crews set bridge girders —horizontal beams that will hold the bridge deck — and added sidewalks and curb ramps to the overpass approach. But the structure remains closed to pedestrians, and temporary fencing will prevent access.
People who need to walk, roll or bike across state Highway 500 can take a free on-demand shuttle provided by C-Tran. Call 360-695-0123 to book a ride.
In 2018, the transportation agency removed a traffic signal and crosswalk at Stapleton/54th in order to improve safety and reduce rear-end collisions, but that made it difficult for pedestrians to cross the highway. This project aims to correct that problem and to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, according to the agency.
Some landscaping may continue during the winter, but it won’t affect traffic. In spring, crews will pave the approaching walkways, the overpass deck and sections of state Highway 500. Final steps will be painting, adding fencing and restriping the highway.
