Richland Traffic Alert: Navigating Dallas Road Closure, Trowbridge Paving, and Ironman Triathlon Detours (Sept 18–21, 2025)
In the vibrant community of southwest Richland, two significant events converge along the same corridor: the Dallas Road Roundabouts Project and the Ironman Triathlon bike course. Expect increased activity and managed delays on Gateway Avenue.
Project Milestone: What's Happening and When
The City of Richland is implementing temporary traffic shifts to keep crews and drivers safe. On race day, Ironman cyclists will traverse the same path; on-site flaggers will facilitate vehicle movement during clear intervals.
- Thursday, Sept 18, 2025: Crews will pave Trowbridge Boulevard between Dallas Road and Gateway Avenue.
- Friday, Sept 19, 2025: Trowbridge reopens to traffic.
- Next phase: Dallas Road closes between Trowbridge Boulevard and Ava Way (after paving).
Expect typical construction activity and reduced speeds near work zones. For the latest updates and maps, check the City's project page before heading out.
Detour Plan: Navigating Traffic
During the closure of Dallas Road between Trowbridge and Ava Way, traffic will be rerouted via Gateway Avenue. To keep things moving:
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Uniformed flaggers will be stationed at:
- Trowbridge Boulevard & Gateway Avenue
- Ava Way & Gateway Avenue
- Flaggers will manage traffic flow during construction and on race day.
- Anticipate brief, intermittent holds at these intersections; plan for extra travel time, especially during peak hours.
Practical tips: If your route crosses Gateway Avenue, allocate a few extra minutes and heed flagger instructions, cones, and signage. For cross-town travel that doesn't require Gateway Avenue, consider alternate routes to minimize delays.
Tips to Minimize Delays and Stay Safe
Before You Go
- Check live traffic and City updates the morning of your trip.
- Add a 10–20 minute buffer if your route involves Gateway Avenue or flagged intersections.
- Monitor City social updates for any last-minute timing changes.
If You Must Cross the Bike Course
- Follow flaggers' instructions and yield to cyclists.
- Avoid sudden turns; maintain reduced speeds throughout the corridor.
- Stay alert for volunteers and signage near course crossings.
For Businesses
- Inform customers of the detour and share the map on your website and social channels.
- Coordinate delivery windows away from peak cyclist times when possible.
Accessibility
Riders using ADA paratransit or transit should check for route adjustments and timing updates before traveling.
Quick Definitions
- Roundabout
- A circular intersection that slows vehicle speeds and reduces crash conflict points, improving overall safety and flow.
- Detour
- A temporary route that redirects traffic around a closure.
- Uniformed flaggers
- Trained professionals who direct traffic through construction zones or event courses.
- Paving milestone
- A scheduled step where crews place new asphalt so traffic can be shifted for the next phase of work.
Key Takeaways
- Trowbridge Paving: Thursday, Sept 18; reopens Friday, Sept 19.
- Dallas Road Closure: Between Trowbridge Blvd and Ava Way (after paving).
- Detour Route: Gateway Avenue with uniformed flaggers at Trowbridge & Gateway and Ava & Gateway.
- Ironman Overlay: Sunday, Sept 21, on the same Gateway corridor; expect intermittent, flagger-managed holds.
Plan your trip, follow posted signs and flagger directions, and share detour details with anyone coming to the area this week. For official updates, monitor City advisories and event communications. Conditions can change due to weather or operations.
