TRAFFIC ALERT: Temporary Lane Closures Planned Tuesday 6/9 At South George Washington Way And Aaron Drive - 06/08/26

Motorists should plan for temporary lane closures on Tuesday, June 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as crews complete some of the final work on the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

The northbound left-turn lane from George Washington Way onto Aaron Drive and the southbound far-left (center) lane on George Washington Way will be closed while crews install curb improvements and complete pavement marking work.

Aaron Drive will remain open; however, northbound motorists wishing to access Aaron Drive will need to follow a signed detour via Comstock Street and Goethals Drive.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, expect minor delays, and use caution in the work zone.

Temporary Lane Closures Planned At South George Washington Way And Aaron Drive Intersection - 06/01/26

Motorists are advised of upcoming temporary lane closures at the South George Washington Way and Aaron Drive intersection as work nears completion on the South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the project contractor, Ellison Earthworks, will close the northbound left-turn lane from George Washington Way onto Aaron Drive, as well as the southbound far-left (center) lane on George Washington Way.

The closures are necessary to allow crews to complete grinding, paving, curb installation, and pavement marking work.

Traffic control setup will begin at 8:00 a.m. each day, with construction activities starting at approximately 9:00 a.m.

Aaron Drive will remain open during the work; however, motorists traveling northbound on George Washington Way who wish to access Aaron Drive will need to follow a signed detour route using Comstock Street and Goethals Drive.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, expect minor delays, and use caution when traveling through the work zone.

The South George Washington Way Intersection Improvements Project is designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in the area.

The City appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as these improvements are completed.

City Of Richland To Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing June 2–3 As Part Of Water System Plan Update - 06/01/26

Don't be alarmed if you see water flowing from fire hydrants across Richland on June 2–3. It's part of planned testing to help update the City's Water System Plan.

You may notice City water crews and engineering consultants working throughout Richland on June 2 and 3 as part of the City's ongoing Water System Plan update.

The City is partnering with RH2 Engineering to conduct fire hydrant flushing and hydraulic monitoring at more than 30 locations across the community between 6:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. both days.

During testing, crews will flush two fire hydrants at a time using a specialized device called a "hose monster," which measures water flow and system performance. Residents may see large volumes of water being discharged from hydrants during the testing process. While it may appear unusual, this is expected and is an important part of evaluating the City's water distribution system. Most testing at each location will last five minutes or less.

To protect the environment, dechlorination screens will be used to remove chlorine from the water before it enters the stormwater system.

Some residents may notice temporary fluctuations in water pressure while testing is underway. In some areas, the testing may also cause temporary water discoloration as naturally occurring mineral sediment within water mains becomes disturbed. The water remains safe to use and drink; however, customers who experience discoloration are encouraged to first run the cold water in their bathtub until the water clears. Once clear, run cold water faucets as needed. This process helps flush sediment from the service line and reduces the chance of debris collecting in faucet aerators. If debris does become trapped in an aerator screen, removing and rinsing the aerator may help restore normal water flow.

City staff and RH2 Engineering representatives will be on site throughout the process to monitor conditions and minimize impacts.

This work helps engineers better understand how water moves through our system and ensures Richland can continue providing reliable water service and fire protection as our community grows.

Thank you for your patience as we complete this important work.

Life-Saving AED SaveStation To Be Installed At Badger Mountain Community Park - 05/26/26

The City of Richland and Richland Fire & Emergency Services will unveil a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) SaveStation at Badger Mountain Community Park (350 Keene Road) on Monday, June 1, 2026, further expanding public access to life-saving emergency equipment throughout the community. This will be the seventh unit placed in Richland. 

The SaveStation will be located near the park’s central amenities area, providing convenient access for park visitors, sports participants, walkers, and families enjoying the community park. A brief unveiling ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the installation site.

AED SaveStations provide immediate access to an Automated External Defibrillator during a cardiac emergency, when every second matters. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and prompt CPR and AED use significantly improve survival rates.

Key features of the AED SaveStation include:

• 24/7 Accessibility: The unit is available around the clock, ensuring immediate access during emergencies.
• Temperature Control: Built-in climate controls help protect the AED and maintain operational readiness year-round.
• Alarm System: Opening the unit activates an alarm to draw attention to the emergency and alert nearby individuals.
• GPS Monitoring: The SaveStation is equipped with GPS technology that supports monitoring and helps emergency responders locate the device quickly.
• User-Friendly Instructions: Clear visual and voice-guided instructions assist users through the AED process, even without prior training.

The installation supports the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety and aligns with HeartSafe Richland, a community initiative focused on improving survival outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest through public education, Hands-Only CPR training, and increased access to AEDs.

"Having AEDs readily available in our parks and public spaces can make the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency," said Richland Fire & Emergency Services Chief Randy Aust. "This SaveStation helps ensure that residents and visitors have access to life-saving equipment when and where it is needed most."

The Badger Mountain Community Park installation expands Richland’s growing network of publicly accessible SaveStations, helping create a safer and more prepared community.

For more information about HeartSafe Richland, Hands-Only CPR training, or AED awareness, visit heartsaferichland.com.

City Of Richland Facility Closures In Observance Of Memorial Day - 05/18/26

All City of Richland facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.

This includes:

• Richland City Hall
• Richland Public Library
• Richland Community Center
• Richland City Shops
• Horn Rapids Landfill

Emergency services will remain available. Residents are encouraged to plan for any City business prior to the holiday closure.

Garbage and recycling collection schedules will remain unchanged during the holiday week.

City facilities are expected to reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

For more information, visit www.richlandwa.gov.

City Of Richland Seeks Applicants For Public Facilities District Board Vacancy - 05/11/26

The City of Richland is currently accepting applications to fill two (2) upcoming vacancies on the Richland Public Facilities District Board. The Board exists for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, owning, remodeling, maintaining, equipping, re-equipping, repairing, financing and/or operating a Regional Center in the City, but only pursuant to an interlocal agreement (C104-02) between the City and the District.

This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about how their city operates, and to help shape its future.

For more information about the positions and to apply online, please visit the City’s Board, Commission, and Committee (BCC) Vacancies page at http://richlandwa.gov/bcc.

Applications will be accepted May 11-26, 2026.