Jefferson/Kauffman Realignment Project
We are improving Vancouver’s transportation system, and the Jefferson/Kauffman Realignment Project aims to improve mobility, capacity and multi-modal connectivity. Additional street improvements will also occur on West 13th Street and Markle Avenue.
Construction information
January 2025
Work began in late January on the Jefferson/Kauffman Realignment Project. Contractors first removed the building on the southeast corner at 915 W. 13th Street. Streets and sidewalks on Jefferson Street, West 13th Street and Kauffman Avenue will be closed during work. Local access to driveways and properties will be open but expect delays. Some night work is also planned during construction.
April 2025
In early April, anticipated for April 7 and 8, there will be a brief change to the current road closures on the project. In addition to the existing closure on Jefferson Street from West Evergreen Boulevard to West 13th Street, West 13th Street will be closed from Jefferson Street to Ingalls Street. This allows for utility work at the intersection. During this time and to allow access through the area, the intersection of Jefferson Street and West 11th Street will be open. This street will be gravel, please travel slowly.
Project details
This project will build a new intersection at West 13th Street and Jefferson Street/Kauffman Avenue. The realignment will allow a more conventional configuration to better accommodate vehicles, including truck/freight mobility, and is safer for all modes of travel.
When completed, the improved roadway will be a three-lane street following City standards for collector/arterials. Enhancements will be made along West 13th Street and Markle Avenue, too. The project includes stormwater facilities, bike lanes, sidewalks and on-street parking. View the alignment map.
New street elements
- Remove building at 915 W. 13th Street
- Rebuild sidewalks
- Install new bike lanes
- Improve lighting
- Build new ADA curb ramps throughout project, with new markings for crosswalks
- Trees will be removed and almost 50 new trees planted
History
Located in the western part of downtown Vancouver, West Jefferson Street and West Kauffman Avenue work together as an important access corridor for freight, employment and travel from West Mill Plain Boulevard to the active downtown Vancouver, Crescent Industrial area near the Burlington Northern Railway mainline and evolving Waterfront area.
In addition to improving mobility, capacity and multi-modal connectivity, the Jefferson/Kauffman Realignment Project is also expected to add redundancy and efficiency to the north/south arterial network.
A key feature of this project will be the addition of pedestrian and bicycle crossing facilities at intersections to enhance the multi-modal network in and through this area.
These improvements are identified as priorities in the City’s Transportation System Plan, Vancouver Central City Vision Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program and the Westside Mobility Strategy.
Funding
The Jefferson/Kauffman Realignment Project was identified as one of the high priority projects for the City of Vancouver’s Street Funding Strategy efforts, adopted by the City Council in 2015. The City received federal grants through the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for $5,040,000, and a state grant through the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) for $3,000,000. Vancouver Transportation Benefit District and other local matching dollars provide the remainder of the project funding.