Public Works Projects

2026 Public Works Projects

  • Annual Residential Sidewalk Repair Program: This project will correct sidewalk curb ramps and upgrade Ellensburg Central Transit bus stops at multiple locations within the City.
  • Mountain View Ave. and Bull Road Signal: This intersection will receive a traffic signal, upgraded ADA ramps, and a 10-foot-wide sidewalk, helping to close the sidewalk gap south of the intersection. Work will be funded by Traffic Impact Fees (one-time charges on new development projects that fund transportation infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate growth). The project went out to bid on January 6, 2026.
  • Canyon Road Overlay: This project will grind and overlay Canyon Road from Umptanum Road to Mountain View Avenue. Work is planned for the summer of 2026.
  • University Way Bridge over BNSF Railroad Project: The contractor has replaced the transverse joint sealants on the bridge deck. Repair of the superstructure (the upper, load-bearing portion of a bridge that directly supports traffic) will take place during the spring of 2026. 
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Basin Improvements: Additional aerators will be installed in the basins to improve system efficiency and resiliency. Electrical motor control updates are also included with the project.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Recirculation Pump Improvements: This project will upgrade existing pumps to replace aging infrastructure. This project is slated for a year of procurement for the pumps and motor control units with approximately three months of construction once materials have arrived.

Design Phase In 2026:

  • Vantage Highway Shared Use Pathway Project: Construction will include the installation of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on the north side and a shared use pathway on the south side of Vantage Highway from Alder Street to Vista Road. Design is planned for 2026 with construction in 2027.  
  • 3rd Avenue Paverstone Pathway and Historic Lighting: The existing sidewalk on the north side of 3rd Avenue will be replaced with a paverstone pathway and there will be updated historic 3-globe lighting from Water Street to the historic train depot. Design is in progress with construction planned for 2026.  
  • 6" Water Main Replacement: This project will replace a 6-inch water main on Walnut Street between University Way and 5th Avenue. Design is in progress with construction planned for 2026.
  • Whitney Well Backup Generator: This project will design the integration of a backup generator to the Whitney Well in the event of a power outage. This generator will be fed by natural gas to diversify our system.
  • Umptanum Road and Anderson Road Roundabout Project: This project will add a roundabout at the intersection of Umptanum Road and Anderson Road to accommodate increased traffic from the WinCo Foods Distribution Center and the planned future Ellensburg Community Fieldhouse in Rotary Park. Design is planned for 2026 with construction in 2027.

For questions, contact the Public Works Department at 509-962-7230.