West Richland Real Estate Blog

If I were to make a list of 4-5 things that would really improve West Richland as a city, and particularly the city’s potential for growth, one of the things on that list would be easier access to I-82. Sure, we have the Dallas Rd. interchange, but that’s a 3-mile drive just from Smitty’s Conoco — which isn’t exactly what you’d call centrally locatedand isn’t technically in West Richland.

West Richland Mayor Dale Jackson joined a few Benton County officials this week to announce that they’re asking the state for $6.3 million to improve freeway access to West Richland and Benton City. They’ve developed a blueprint for where the interchanges could go. Here’s the one for West Richland:

For West Richland, two of the main business benefits would be easier access to the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) and the speeding up of the proposed Lewis & Clark Ranch.

KNDU-TV covered this a few days ago, and you can hear a quick comment from Mayor Jackson in their story. Even the Tri-City Herald wrote an editorial not long ago in support of adding a West Richland interchange on I-82:

Growing tourism at Red Mountain is another economic driver to get the interchange project on the fast track.

The need for emergency access is another strong argument for a new interchange. Benton County Fire District 4 needs a quicker route to fires, medical traumas and other emergencies.

Easing congestion at the Queensgate exit and providing better access for potential commercial buildings and industrial parks would be additional bonuses.

These things move at a snail’s pace, and it won’t be until next Spring when the city and county know if that state money is coming through.

Your turn: Do you support adding a West Richland interchange on I-82?

Thank you for reading this article on the West Richland Real Estate Blog. If you arrived here looking for specific real estate information, or would like to speak with a friendly, fun, professional, and low-pressure real estate agent, please contact Cari via her web site or call her directly at 509 - 430 - 5342 and she’ll be glad to help. Thanks again for visiting!