In June 2012, the City of Kennewick secured Federal funding through the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) City Safety Program to assist in evaluating, prioritizing and designing safety improvements on Clearwater Avenue from Leslie Road to US 395. The Phase 1 study developed an access management plan for 5.44 miles of the Clearwater Avenue corridor. The plan was adopted at the September 7, 2014 City Council meeting and details a series of improvements and projects that will enhance safety, reduce congestion, support economic development, and provide reasonable, safe and efficient business access.

Phase 2 of the project involves installation of a pedestrian activated beacon, a median refuge and a bus pullout at the intersection of Clearwater Avenue and Arthur Street. The pedestrian beacon will be a rectangular rapid flash beacon (RRFB) that are very effective at getting driver attention when activated.The median refuge provides a safe halfway point for pedestrians, allowing them to focus on oncoming vehicles one direction at a time. The bus pullout will permit transit to embark/.disembark riders without blocking a travel lane, reducing sudden lane changes that result in sideswipe accidents.

Phase 3 will require right-of-way acquisition at the intersection of Clearwater Avenue and Union Street. Construction will involve intersection reconfiguration, a bus pullout and median treatments. The project will also involve median treatments on Clearwater Avenue between Columbia Center Boulevard and Colorado Street and between Huntington and US395.