Current News

Full closure of the WEST bound lanes of SR-4 / Cowlitz Way will begin Monday, November 13, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.  The closure will begin at the intersection of North Pacific Avenue and Cowlitz Way, and extend through NW 5th Avenue. These night time full closures should last about four days.

 Traffic going north or south bound on NW 5th and Long Avenue will be flagged through the work area on Cowlitz Way. No turns either direction will be permitted at NW 5th/Long Ave and Cowlitz Way.

A posted detour will be in place. The detour route will be on Allen Street, starting at N. 5th Ave continuing over the Allen Street Bridge onto Catlin Street in west Kelso.

We ask you for your continued patience as we work to repair your city storm drains.

 

EASTBOUND SR-4 / COWLITZ WAY

Full closure of the east bound lanes of SR-4 / Cowlitz Way IS CANCELLED.

Operational adjustments to the progress of the work have made this closure unnecessary at this time.

Nightly reductions to one lane will continue Mondays through Thursdays, 7pm to 5am.

We ask you for your continued patience as we work to repair your city storm drains.

Due to multiple near accidents with motorists and workers resulting from work zone traffic control violations, emphasis patrols in the area of Cowlitz Way and NW 5th will begin tonight.

Motorists are reminded that infractions issued in a work zone are doubled, and that intentionally evading a traffic control device, or driving a vehicle in a work zone in a manner likely to endanger persons or property, is a gross misdemeanor per RCW 46.61.527.

As a reminder, the City of Kelso is conducting emergency replacement of a storm sewer line located at the western approach of the Cowlitz Way Bridge at Long Avenue / Northwest 5th Street.  Work will take place during the night from 7pm-5am and will continue for approximately six weeks.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way from 7pm through 5am. Turns at the intersection of Cowlitz Way and Long Avenue / Northwest 5th Street will be restricted. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes during the construction period.

We ask you for your patience as we work to repair your city storm drains.

 On Thursday, July 6th 2023, the Coweeman River Bridge on Kelso drive will be closed. The closure will start at approximately 7:30 am to 4:00 pm while WSDOT conducts routine bridge inspections. A traffic detour will be in place.

Cascade Natural Gas will replace existing natural gas main pipelines and service lines in a portion of Kelso over the next several months. The replacement project is an on-going integrity management process to ensure the safety and reliability of the natural gas system. Through an evaluation, Cascade identifies sections of pipe for replacement based on physical and operation & maintenance components.

 

The Kelso project is expected to begin on June 26 and will take approximately two to three months, depending on weather conditions and any other unanticipated delays. The work will require a short interruption of natural gas service for customers. A company representative will contact affected customers to schedule a brief shut off and then relight of appliances.

 

Please refer to Cascade’s website for more information and a map that outlines the area where the replacement work will occur. https://www.cngc.com/in-the-community/construction-updates/ 

Get involved in the Allen Street Corridor Transportation Study!

Join us for an open house

We’ll share more about the study’s purpose, goals, and process, hear your input to inform our existing conditions analysis and alternatives development processes, and be available to talk with you and answer your questions. We hope to see you there!

WHEN: May 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Kelso City Hall, Council Chambers, 203 S Pacific Ave, Kelso, WA 98626

Take our survey

We need to hear your experiences, challenges, and needs to understand existing conditions, develop alternatives that address the challenges, and identify a preferred alternative that meets the needs of the City of Kelso, WSDOT, and the community.

bit.ly/AllenStreet

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the City of Kelso City Council in the council chambers, Kelso City Hall, on Tuesday, May 16th at 6 pm.

The purpose of the public hearing is to review community development and housing needs, inform citizens of the availability of funds and eligible uses of the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and receive comments on proposed activities, particularly from lower income persons residing in the West Kelso area.

Up to $2,000,000 may be available to the City of Kelso on a statewide competitive basis to fund public facility, community facility, economic development, planning and affordable housing projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

 

An outline of the proposed projects will be available for review at no charge from Community Development, Kelso City Hall, 203 S. Pacific, Kelso WA. The public is invited to comment on this proposed project with written comments no later than 4:30 on May 16, 2023.  Comments should be addressed to Community Development, Kelso City Hall, 203 S. Pacific, Kelso WA. 98626 or by email to mmurray@kelso.gov.

 

The council chambers is handicap accessible. Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs accessibility or interpreter will be made upon receiving 24-hour advance notice.

The City of Kelso is working closely with WSDOT to study potential improvements to Allen Street that will improve safety and mobility. Our goals are to understand what contributes to traffic and congestion in the area, what challenges users of the corridor face, and identify potential solutions to improve conditions and safety for all users. The study area includes the segment of Allen Street between South 8th Avenue and North 17th Avenue, portions of Minor Road and South Kelso Drive, and the I-5 freeway ramps associated with these segments.

Throughout the study process, we will ask people who live, work and travel through the area for input to inform our understanding of what contributes to traffic and congestion in the area and help us identify potential solutions. The City of Kelso encourages everyone to participate in this process.

For more information download our Allen Street Corridor Transportation Study Informational Flyer
 

Request for Volunteers

Project Advisory Committee for City of Kelso Development Code Update

The City of Kelso is seeking volunteers from the community to serve on a Project Advisory Committee for their upcoming Code Update. 

Volunteers should have experience working in building, development or real estate industry. Architects, planners, developers, builders and real estate agents are highly desired.
The Project Advisory Committee will give input about local development conditions, the Kelso community, project objectives and potential issues for users.
Members would be expected to attend up to 3 meetings and review draft materials.

If interested send an email to mmurray@kelso.gov with a simple description of your experience, a short explanation of why you are interested and your contact information.

Business and Occupation tax forms are available online if you wish immediate access.  Forms will be mailed out soon.  Please contact Melissa Kemper if you have further questions.

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