TRPC calls for proposals for operational analysis of detour routes 

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) has issued a call for proposals to conduct an operational analysis of Thurston County's emergency detour routes network. 

With up to $95,000 in available funding, the selected consultant will help TRPC and regional partners develop a prioritized list of improvements to make the transportation system safer and more resilient, and manage traffic disruptions on major highways like Interstate 5 and U.S. Route 101.  

When major highways are shut down due to collisions, flooding, or other blocking emergencies, traffic is redirected through alternative routes. The temporary detours often disrupt local transportation networks, delay travel for people passing through, and present challenges for large trucks due to load restrictions and vertical clearance limitations.  

The TPRC, in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), local agency public works, and law enforcement partners, has identified nearly 50 predetermined emergency detour routes in the county. 

The selected consultant will support TRPC and its partners in completing the next phase of the project, which includes: 

• Identify a range of improvements for the detour routes. This will include an operational analysis using generalized project schematics developed by the consultant for the local detour route roadways. WSDOT will develop general schematics for projects located on the state routes.  

• Identify projects to mitigate traffic impacts on bicycle and pedestrian safety, school and public transportation services, hospitals, fire and emergency medical services, and police services.  

• Identify other opportunities for non-infrastructure improvements to the detour routes, for example, dynamic messaging signs, local access management, interagency coordination review, or community engagement.  

• Develop a prioritized project list with planning-level cost estimates for local detour route roadways. WSDOT will develop cost estimates for projects located on state routes.  

The recruitment process for the project will take place in the spring and summer. A consultant is expected to be selected by June, with work beginning in July. The project is anticipated to last about 12 months.  

TRPC requires that proposals be submitted electronically in PDF format and submitted to Jennifer T. McCall, TRPC Finance manager, at mccallj@trpc.org.  

All responses must be received by May 30 at 4 p.m.