The city of Richland is moving ahead with its vision to turn George Washington Way and Jadwin Avenue into a one-way couplet via acquiring necessary rights of way and launching a website to keep the community informed about the project. 

The federal environmental review of the project was approved last month, which will allow city officials to begin approaching property owners about acquiring temporary or permanent easements or land acquisitions. 

All that information and more about the project is available at a new dedicated website from the city, thedowntownloop.com. 

“This project will bring lasting improvements to safety, mobility and economic development in our downtown area,” said Richland City Manager Jon Amundson in a statement. “We’re committed to transparency and easy access to information throughout the construction process. This website is one of the key ways we’re delivering on that promise.” 

The $23.5 million project has taken years of planning, study and community engagement. Once completed, George Washington Way will carry northbound traffic while Jadwin Avenue carries southbound traffic. The project is aimed at improving traffic flow and economic development in the city’s core while also making safety and walkability improvements. 

Actual construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2026.