The partnership between the City of North Bend and the Northwest Railway Museum is rolling on with their Railway Crossing Capital Project, poised to boost the functionality of four railway crossings within the city. Anchored by a hefty $4.8 million grant awarded by the Washington State Department of Transportation in 2023, the ongoing work is meant to fortify the infrastructure for increased safety and smoother travel across these junctures.
North Bend residents, however, will need to navigate around road closures as crews from Stacy Witbeck hammer away around the clock to expedite progress. Beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, November 9, NW 8th Street near Alm Way will be inaccessible until 5 a.m. Thursday, November 13, according to the City of North Bend's announcement. The subsequent closure will affect North Bend Way near Tollgate Park, commencing at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 13, and is anticipated to last until 5 a.m. Monday, November 17.
Motorists are advised to prepare for these disruptions, with clearly marked detour paths and messaging boards detailing closure schedules established prior to the mentioned dates. It's a move designed for minimizing confusion and streamlining traffic flow amidst the closures.
In a stride towards completion, the City Council's unanimous nod on October 7, 2025, set the stage for the project's recent milestones. Two major crossings, SR 202/Bendigo Boulevard and Main Avenue S, have already seen improvements, noted in a report accessible via the city's website. Realigned tracks and enhanced signal technology promise to bolster the region's traffic handling capacity.
Those eager to further comprehend the project's scope and implications can access the discussions of the City Council by visiting the city’s YouTube channel or scanning the Media Center webpage. The complete details are presented in the October 7, 2025, Council packet, linked on the city's website, painting a broader picture of the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan.
Patience is asked of North Bend citizens as the Railway Crossing Capital Project chugs towards its completion. Community members looking to voice comments or pose inquiries have been directed to reach out to Capital Projects and Grant Manager, Daniel Marcinko, through email at [email protected], or by phone at (425) 888-7639. The city pledges to continue offering updates on the developments of this key endeavor.
