The River District’s Richards Boulevard at I-5 is now operating smoothly for all modes of travel and there’s now access to the future entrance to the Railyards with the completion of the Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project in June, 2012.
Mayor Kevin Johnson joined City Director of Transportation Jerry Way and Councilmembers Steve Cohn and Rob Fong and dozens of business and community members to celebrate the official opening.
One added feature to the transportation project that is generating a lot of excitement is the I-5 underpass, which now serves as a gateway to the River District with the City’s first colored light display. Some 8000 LEDs in all were used to illuminate the walls of “waves,” to welcome people to the River District. The light display colors can be changed with the seasons as well.
The project is an interim transportation improvement intended to provide traffic relief from the anticipated growth and redevelopment in this area. The improvements
Expanded the I-5/Richards Boulevard interchange off-ramps.
Expanded Richards Boulevard between Jibboom Street and Bercut Drive to improve capacity;
Add bike lanes to portions of Richards Boulevard and Jibboom Street;
Enhanced pedestrian walkways and improve roadway crossings; and
Install landscaping and streetscaping for beautification.
The Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project will provide the greatest level possible of access and circulation given the existing constraints posed by I-5, the existing interchange, and existing development. Significant upgrades to meet long-term capacity are currently being planned as a future, separate project.
Implementation of the Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements
Project is:
The Interstate 5/Richards to Railyards Access Improvements Project will provide the greatest level possible of access and circulation given the existing constraints posed by I-5, the existing interchange, and existing development. Significant upgrades to meet long-term capacity are currently being planned as a future, separate project.
