To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of Richland, Washington,

We, the undersigned residents of Richland, Washington respectfully petition the City of Richland to construct a safe and accessible pedestrian break in the existing wall that separates the Green Belt Trail from Bypass Highway 240 at the intersection of Airport Way (46°17'59"N, 119°17'51"W).

Problem Statement:

The current infrastructure along Bypass Highway 240 poses a significant safety hazard to pedestrians, particularly children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The existing crosswalk at Airport Way, intended to provide access across the highway, is rendered impractical due to the continuous, unbroken wall that extends for thousands of feet in both directions. This forces pedestrians to undertake long and dangerous detours to reach safe crossing points at Jadwin Avenue (approximately 4,000 feet northeast) or Van Giesen Street (approximately 2,750 feet southwest).

Safety Concerns:

Increased Pedestrian Exposure to Traffic: The absence of a direct pedestrian access point to the Green Belt Trail compels residents to walk along the shoulder of Bypass Highway 240, a high-speed (55 MPH) arterial road, to reach the nearest safe crossing. This significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents and injuries.
Discouragement of Safe Pedestrian Practices: The impracticality of the existing crosswalk encourages pedestrians to take shortcuts, potentially crossing the highway at unsafe locations or attempting to climb over the wall, further endangering themselves.
Inaccessibility for Vulnerable Populations: The extended detours are especially challenging for children, elderly residents with limited mobility, and individuals with disabilities, effectively isolating them from services and community amenities located on the opposite side of the highway like the Richland Airport and CBRC Health and Fitness.
Proposed Solution:

We propose the construction of a pedestrian break in the existing wall at Airport Way, aligned with the existing crosswalk. This break should include:

A safe and accessible pedestrian pathway through the wall.
Appropriate signage and lighting to ensure visibility and safety.
Consideration for ADA compliance to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
A suitable barrier to prevent vehicles from entering the pedestrian pathway.
 

Benefits of the Proposed Solution:

Enhanced pedestrian safety by providing a direct crossing and access to residential area.
Improved accessibility for all residents, including vulnerable populations.
Increased neighborhood connectivity and promotion of pedestrian activity.
Reduction in the likelihood of pedestrians engaging in unsafe crossing practices.
We, the undersigned, urge the City of Richland to prioritize the safety of its residents and take immediate action to construct a pedestrian break in the wall along Bypass Highway 240 at Airport Way. We believe that this improvement will significantly enhance the safety and quality of life for our community.

We respectfully request that the City Council consider this petition and take appropriate action to address this critical safety concern.