The Ellensburg Gateway I Project was completed in 2024. Gateway I included design and construction of a stormwater treatment system and bicycle and pedestrian improvements along University Way. The improved area, about 1 mile in length, stretches from Wenas Street to the Red Horse Diner. Rock-lined swales were constructed behind existing curb on both sides of the roadway, which allows surface water runoff to pass through new curb cuts into the swales. This improves water quality in Mercer, Whiskey, and Wilson Creeks. The project also included two new bus pullouts for Central Transit. The $7.4 million project was largely funded by a stormwater grant from the Department of Ecology and other improvements were made with utility funds. This project has beautified one of the City’s entryways while simultaneously improving water quality!