Thursday, October 1, 2026
Tumwater’s proposed 2026-31 transportation improvement program outlines two new road projects and a significant change to a previously planned bridge expansion.
The Tumwater Public Works Committee reviewed and endorsed the program on Thursday, May 22.
The transportation improvement program is a document that outlines all the city’s transportation plans within the next six years, as a way to demonstrate its intent to pursue state or federal funding for the projects.
While most of the projects listed are ongoing and have appeared in previous editions, the document is updated annually to comply with state regulations.
City Director of Transportation and Engineering Brandon Hicks highlighted updates about the Henderson Boulevard Bridge project near Pioneer Park, saying previous plans to widen the bridge are dead.
Instead, the city now plans to build a separate path bridge for pedestrians and cyclists that would stretch from Pioneer Park to Henderson Boulevard. To make room for the new path, traffic lanes along Henderson Boulevard, down to 65th Avenue, would be shifted slightly eastward.
Hicks said the project now includes construction of a roundabout at the entrance of Pioneer Park on Henderson Boulevard and 58th Avenue. While roundabouts are not commonly built on driveways, Hicks said the driveway is an exception due to its high usage.
Another new roundabout is being planned at the intersection of Tumwater Boulevard and Henderson Boulevard. Hicks said it is still in the planning phase and does not anticipate starting construction within the next six years unless the city secures grant funding.
Another new item in the document is the multimodal improvements at 93rd Avenue from Tigerlily Street at the Preserve extending eastward to the city limits.
Hicks said the project would involve the lowering of a nearby hill by around 7 feet, which would be a costly effort as the hill consists of solid bedrock.
The project is also crucial for the construction of a water main that would connect to a planned water storage tank on 93rd Avenue.
Hicks added the city could consider partnering with the Tumwater School District for the effort, as the district is evaluating the area for a possible new school.
The document also reflects changes to projects that have been either combined or divided into phases. For example, the various segments of the Deschutes Valley trail project have been merged into one item.
Meanwhile, city staff phased the proposed roundabouts for the Interstate 5 on- and off-ramps at Tumwater Boulevard, and other roundabouts along Old Highway 99 at 79th Avenue and Henderson Boulevard.
With the committee’s endorsement, the program will now head to the city council. A public hearing will be held on June 3 before the city council decides its fate.
If approved, the document would be forwarded to the Thurston Regional Planning Council to be included in a regional version, which will then be sent to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
3 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Southsoundguy
Roundabouts are a scam.
Friday, May 30, 2025 Report this
HotTractor
One thing about SS Potato, if he's against it, then it's a good idea.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Report this
52237123abc
At the city council meeting Brandon Hicks spoke on the work to be done on 93rd. He mentioned a safety concern because of a steep section on the road near Old 99. Safety? How about the terrible intersection at Old 99 and 79th? Hundreds of cars a day use this extremely unsafe intersection. For years a round-about has been promised in that spot.
It looks like the "Little Mini Town", that is being promoted at Old 99 and 93rd, is where the money is going! The builder certainly has an in with the city.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Report this