Washington Will Close U.S. 12 Intersection in September
Local businesses should plan for delivery delays during this three-day intersection closure.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Construction
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The Washington State Department of Transportation will close the U.S. 12 and Eschbach Road intersection for three days from September 28, 2026, through September 30, 2026. This work is part of a broader infrastructure project to improve traffic safety and flow.
Why it matters
Operators in the area should account for temporary logistical disruptions and potential traffic congestion during the closure. These improvements are intended to support long-term traffic volume, though they require short-term adjustments to local transportation routes.
The U.S. 12 and Eschbach Road intersection will be closed for 3 days as part of a multi-location infrastructure project. Completion for the overall work is expected in late spring 2027 following a scheduled winter pause starting in December 2026.
The players
Washington State Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the highway system and regional transportation infrastructure.
The details
The Department of Transportation is constructing new eastbound acceleration lanes at the intersections of Eschbach Road, Ackley Road, and Clover Lane to provide more space for merging vehicles. Additionally, crews will install lighting and landscaping at the Lateral A and U.S. 97 roundabout. Lane closures will coincide with the intersection shutdown to facilitate these safety upgrades.
Timeline
The U.S. 12 and Eschbach Road intersection closure begins September 28, 2026.
Roundabout work and intersection closures conclude September 30, 2026.
Construction will pause for winter in December 2026.
Operations will resume in spring 2027.
The project is expected to reach completion in late spring 2027.
Market Landscape
This work is a component of the Washington State Department of Transportation's Highway 12 corridor safety program. It reflects standard state-led efforts to upgrade infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic density along major transit arteries.
Business owners should review their freight schedules and employee commute routes for late September to avoid potential delays near the U.S. 12 corridor. Review your logistics plan now to determine if alternative staging or delivery windows are required for the three-day closure period.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects often involve predictable, staged work that impacts traffic flow well in advance of final completion. Operators should calendar the late spring 2027 completion date to reassess traffic patterns and delivery access after all lanes are open.
What happens next
Construction will pause for the winter in December 2026 before resuming in spring 2027, with final completion expected in late spring 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on regional infrastructure initiatives, see Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yakima Herald-Republic.
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