New SR 14 connection in Bingen puts train delays in the rearview mirror

Ribbon cutting celebrates new underpass and roundabout improving access to Bingen Point and the Port of Klickitat

BINGEN - Travelers in Bingen now have a safer, more reliable connection between State Route 14, Bingen Point and the Port of Klickitat, without having to stop and wait for passing trains.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Washington State Department of Transportation joined the city of Bingen, Port of Klickitat, BNSF Railway and elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the functional completion of the SR 14 Bingen Access Improvements project.

The event marked the end of nearly 12 years of planning and coordination and one year of construction. The $34.3 million project built a new road beneath the BNSF tracks and a roundabout at SR 14 and Elm Street, creating a new connection between the highway, Bingen Point and the Port of Klickitat.

Previously, travelers heading between SR 14 and Bingen Point had to cross the railroad tracks. When trains passed through, they could block the crossing for several minutes, delaying travelers, freight and emergency responders while traffic backed up onto SR 14. The new underpass separates road and rail traffic, allowing both to keep moving.

"For years, people had to wait for trains to pass before they could get to Bingen Point," said WSDOT Southwest Region Project Engineer TJ Prendergast. "Now, travelers and freight can keep moving and emergency responders have a direct way in when every second matters."

The new Juniper Street now travels underneath the railroad tracks, connecting SR 14 and Steuben Street with Bingen Point and the Port of Klickitat.

The project also built a new roundabout at SR 14 and Elm Street to improve safety and keep traffic moving through the intersection. At the center of the roundabout is a historic pond boat, used to move logs near mills, honoring the region's timber heritage.

Bringing the project from planning to completion took years of coordination and community support. WSDOT contractor Kerr Contractors completed the roadway improvements, including Juniper Street, the underpass and the new roundabout. Together, these improvements create a safer, more reliable connection that will keep people and goods moving through Bingen for years to come.