City Of Richland Urges Residents To Sign Up For CodeRED Alerts As Rain And Potential Yakima River Flooding Approaches - 12/09/25

The City of Richland and Benton County Emergency Management encourage all residents, businesses, and visitors to sign up for CodeRED, the region’s emergency notification system, to ensure they receive timely alerts during weather events, public safety incidents, and other urgent situations.

With the National Weather Service predicting periods of rain today and potential flooding along the Yakima River, staying informed is essential. CodeRED enables Richland and Benton County public safety officials to quickly deliver location-specific notifications by phone call, text message, and email.

Why CodeRED Matters

CodeRED is a free, reliable tool used to share critical information such as:
• Severe weather warnings
• Flooding or high-water advisories
• Evacuation notices
• Road closures and major traffic impacts
• Public safety or utility emergencies

Residents who have not yet enrolled are strongly encouraged to take a moment to register. Even if you believe you are already in the system, officials recommend verifying your information to ensure accuracy, particularly if you have moved or changed phone numbers.

Weather Update: Rain and Yakima River Flooding Concerns

According to the National Weather Service, a system moving through the region today is expected to bring steady rain and rising water levels.

While no immediate action is required, residents in low-lying areas near the Yakima River should remain alert, monitor river forecasts, and be prepared for potential changes in conditions.

How to Sign Up

To register for CodeRED or update your existing contact information, visit: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/bceswa

 
Registration takes only a few minutes and could be vital in ensuring that you and your family receive emergency information as soon as it becomes available.

Stay Informed

The City of Richland and Benton County Emergency Management will continue to monitor weather and river conditions and will share updates on its website and social media channels.

For more information about emergency preparedness, visit: www.bces.wa.gov

South GWW Improvements Project – Traffic Impacts & Closures For Week Of December 8- UPDATED - 12/08/25

As the South George Washington Way Improvements Project enters its final stages, the City of Richland advises motorists of updated overnight traffic impacts due to weather conditions, followed by minimal activity as crews complete final cleanup.

UPDATED SCHEDULE – Thursday Night Weather Adjustment

Due to rain and wind, the closure of Columbia Point Drive and associated striping work originally planned for earlier in the week has been rescheduled.

Thursday, December 11 at 10:00 p.m. to Friday, December 12 at 5:00 a.m.

Work schedule remains weather permitting and subject to change.

Crews will complete final striping and pavement markings at the George Washington Way/Columbia Point Drive intersection, including crosswalk installation.

During this work:
• Columbia Point Drive will be closed at George Washington Way.
• A detour will be in place via Comstock Street and Bradley Boulevard.
• Periodic lane closures on George Washington Way may occur as needed to complete striping and marking operations.
• This work has been rescheduled from earlier in the week due to inclement weather.

Tuesday, December 9 through Sunday, December 14

Site cleanup and minor, intermittent lane closures are expected.
No major traffic disruptions are anticipated.

Driver Reminders

Motorists are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signage, and remain alert for workers and changing traffic patterns as the project wraps up.

For ongoing project information, visit: richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay

Winter Wonderland Road Closures – Today, Friday, December 5 - 12/05/25

Richland’s Winter Wonderland Returns With Kick-Off December 5th/6th - 12/03/25

Richland’s Winter Wonderland Returns with Kick-Off December 5^th/6th

Annual lighting celebration, parade, Santa visits, activities at John Dam Plaza & Howard Amon Park

Richland’s beloved Winter Wonderland celebration returns for its 10th year, bringing holiday magic, dancing lights, and family-friendly activities to John Dam Plaza and Howard Amon Park. The community is invited to join us for two festive evenings filled with music, performances, food, and cherished seasonal traditions.

Festivities begin on Friday, December 5^th at 5:00 p.m. at John Dam Plaza. The popular lighted vehicle parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and the official countdown to light up the HAPO Community Stage and John Dam Plaza will take place at 6:30 p.m., when thousands of lights will illuminate the park and dance along to holiday music.

This year’s kickoff celebration features:

• Holiday characters and live roaming performers
• Lighted Vehicle Parade (Lighted Vehicles on Display in the Parkway: 6:30-8:00 p.m.)
• Free photos provided by Dorian Photography
• A guest appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Live reindeer
• Food vendors offering warm treats and festive favorites

Guests can also wander through the popular Richland Alphabet Home Village, complete with miniature replicas of iconic Richland floorplans and landmarks.

Children are encouraged to bring their letters for the “Letters to the North Pole” mailbox. Letters dropped off (with return address) by December 20 will receive a personalized response from Santa’s helpers.

Lighted Vehicle Parade & Traffic Impacts

The Lighted Vehicle Parade begins at approximately 6:00 p.m. around John Dam Plaza. Temporary rolling closures will occur on Jadwin Avenue, Swift Boulevard, and George Washington Way, with traffic control and police support on site. Knight Street and The Parkway will also close for the evening’s activities, with The Parkway reopening at 8:00 p.m.

More Festivities Throughout the Night

After the lighting ceremony, visitors may stay at John Dam Plaza to enjoy the synchronized light playlist until 9:00 p.m.

Or head down to Howard Amon Park and the Richland Community Center, where activities run from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m., including:

Howard Amon Park - Lee Landing

• Holiday Light Display
• Food Vendors
• J&S Train Rides: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Lighted Boat Parade (Clover Island Yacht Club, weather permitting): around 7:30 p.m.
• Firework Show: Immediately after the boat parade

Richland Community Center

• Holiday Crafts
• Free Hot Cocoa & Popcorn (while supplies last)
• Bingo
• Holiday Movie Showing
• Steel Drum Performance by Bram Steel Drum Band: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Festivities Continue Through the New Year

The magic doesn’t stop after opening weekend. Dancing lights at John Dam Plaza continue nightly from 5:00–9:00 p.m. through the New Year.

For a full list of activities, visit: www.richlandparksandrec.com/winterwonderland

Richland Fire & Emergency Services’ November 25 Blood Drive Marks First Step Toward Record-Breaking Goal - 11/24/25

City of Richland Fire and Emergency Services will be hosting an internal blood drive on Tuesday, November 25th at 2710 Duportail Street, Fire Station 74. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., providing Richland Fire and Emergency Services staff with a dedicated opportunity to donate and support lifesaving blood supply needs throughout the region.

While the event is closed to the public, members of the media are invited to attend to capture the beginning of what will become a major, citywide effort in the months ahead.

This internal staff blood drive will serve as an important first step as the City prepares for a much larger, record-breaking blood drive set to take place in early 2026. By mobilizing employees early, Richland aims to build momentum, strengthen awareness, and highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to public health and emergency readiness.

City Of Richland Announces Facility Closures For Thanksgiving Holiday - 11/21/25

All City of Richland facilities and operations will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. This includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, the Horn Rapids Landfill, and all administrative offices.

Early Closure – Richland Public Library

The Richland Public Library will close early on Wednesday, November 26, at 5:00 p.m.

Essential public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency response, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday.

Garbage Collection

Residential garbage and recycling collection will occur on its regular schedule both days, however extra bags for Fall Clean-Up will not be collected. Customers are encouraged to place cans at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their standard collection day.

Utility Payments

Customers needing to access their utility account or make an online payment may do so anytime at richlandwa.gov/myaccount.

More Traffic Impacts Scheduled For South George Washington Way Improvements Project - Lane Closures, Signal Work, And Detours Expected November 19–26 - 11/17/25

As the South George Washington Way Improvements Project nears completion, The City of Richland advises motorists of several traffic impacts occurring over the next two weeks. Drivers should plan for delays, use alternate routes when possible, and follow all posted signage and flagger instructions.

Daily Northbound Lane Closures

Beginning immediately and continuing over the next two weeks, periodic northbound right lane closures will occur each day, starting at 9:00 a.m. or later.

Wednesday, November 19 – All-Day Closures

• George Washington Way northbound left-turn lane to Aaron Drive closed all day.
• George Washington Way Southbound far left through lane closed south of the Aaron Drive Intersection.
  These closures accommodate patching in the previously removed dual-faced curb area.

Overnight Work: November 19–20

Wednesday, November 19 at 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, November 20 at 5:00 a.m.
The George Washington Way / Columbia Point Drive intersection will be periodically controlled by flaggers to support the safe removal of the existing traffic signal and transition to the new signal. Additional striping installation and removal will occur to align new traffic lanes.

Southbound Lane Closures Near Aaron Drive

• November 21
• November 24–26
  Southbound right lane closures will take place to support the demolition of old signal equipment and roadway patching.

Columbia Point Drive Closure — Wednesday, November 26

Beginning Wednesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m., Columbia Point Drive will be closed at George Washington Way to allow for final roadway patching.

• The southbound left-turn lane onto Columbia Point Drive will also be closed.
• A detour will be in place via Comstock Street and Bradley Boulevard.

Plan Ahead and Expect Delays

These traffic modifications are necessary to support signal upgrades, pavement patching, and lane alignment as part of this multi-phase project. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling through construction areas.

For project updates, visit: richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.