‘A major push forward’: Wenatchi Landing interchange gains momentum after years of planning

WENATCHEE — A highway interchange envisioned for years as the key to developing Wenatchi Landing is moving through design, drawing enthusiastic support from regional officials who see a safer, more affordable route to opening the area for growth.

Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons presented the project’s progress to the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority on Oct. 13, joined by county commissioners, staff and engineering consultants. The approximately $25 million first phase has reached 30% design, with final plans anticipated by early 2028.

“It’s really exciting for Douglas County to get this thing pushed forward at the speed that it’s going, because it’s really our top priority at the county,” Simmons said.

The project would connect 35th Street Northwest and Empire Avenue with a new interchange at U.S. 2/97 near the east end of the Odabashian Bridge. Officials described it as both a transportation safety improvement and an essential step toward developing the northern portion of the Wenatchee Valley’s east side.

Simmons traced the planning effort to 2016, when the port and county worked together on the North End Area Master Site Plan and Planned Action Ordinance. Infrastructure improvements followed, but county commissioners eventually decided the pace was too slow and directed staff to accelerate the interchange.

“That’s the critical piece, that’s the linchpin to the build-out,” Simmons said.

Port CEO Jim Kuntz credited the county with pushing the project forward at both the state and federal levels.

“They have moved this project along in a very impressive way,” Kuntz said.

Engineering firm CONSOR evaluated several alternatives, including a partial interchange, other ramp configurations and a highway-level roundabout. The preferred design would allow highway traffic to maintain its speed while vehicles enter and exit using ramps.

Designers are also evaluating whether additional ramps, currently identified for a future phase, could be included in the initial construction to provide full access.

Port Commissioner Richard DeRock, recalling earlier work on the project through Link Transit and the regional transportation council, said a previous proposal carried an approximately $43 million price tag.

“This is really a major push forward,” DeRock said. “I was thrilled to see where we’re coming out.”

DeRock praised the county’s work to develop a more affordable design, saying it brought the project “down to a rational place that we can actually find a way to fund it.”

Safety is a major part of the case for construction. Officials described increasingly difficult left turns onto Sunset Highway, including movements required by Link Transit buses. The interchange would provide another route for drivers and reduce the need to cross opposing traffic.

The preliminary concept also includes shared-use paths alongside the roads and relocation of trailhead parking serving the Apple Capital Loop Trail.

The first phase is estimated at $25.13 million, including approximately $4.1 million for engineering, $300,000 for right-of-way and $20.7 million for construction.

Simmons reported securing $10 million in federal congressionally directed spending and approximately $3.5 million through the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council. County officials are also working with Link Transit on a proposed $4 million contribution.

The funding plan leaves approximately $7.6 million to be covered by Douglas County and future grants. Simmons said the county has already spent approximately $1.25 million and continues seeking additional funding.

Design work is expected to reach the 60% stage in the first quarter of 2027 and 90% in the third quarter. Environmental review, right-of-way needs and state approvals will help determine whether final plans can be completed in late 2027 or early 2028.

For officials who have watched the project evolve through years of planning, the presentation offered a clearer path toward construction.

“This is a good solution,” DeRock said. “I think it’s a much better solution for the community as well.”

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media