Share travel experiences on US 12 in Packwood

Community invited to share needs for walking, biking, parking and travel along Packwood's main street in first of two engagement opportunities

PACKWOOD - People who live, work, visit and travel through Packwood are invited to share their experiences and help identify future transportation needs along US 12.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and Lewis County are asking the community to provide input as part of the US 12 Packwood Planning Study. The survey is open through Friday, Nov. 13.

Looking ahead for US 12 through Packwood

US 12 is Packwood's main street and an important connection to Mount Rainier National Park, White Pass and other year-round recreation destinations. During busy travel seasons, increased traffic and parking can make it more difficult to walk, bike, roll or travel through the community.

WSDOT and Lewis County are studying potential improvements along US 12 between Blakely and Turner roads. Building on The Packwood Plan, the study will look at traffic, parking, walking and biking connections, and future transportation needs.

This is the first of two opportunities for the community to provide input. A second opportunity in January 2027 will share potential improvements shaped by community feedback and study findings and ask the community to weigh in again.

Connecting people and places in Packwood

Active transportation includes walking, biking, rolling and using mobility devices to get where you need to go. US 12 through Packwood does not currently have dedicated sidewalks or bicycle lanes, which can make it challenging for people to travel along or across the highway.

The study will use a Complete Streets approach to look at where connections are missing or could be improved. Complete Streets considers the needs of everyone who uses the highway, whether they walk, bike, roll, use transit or drive. Potential improvements could include sidewalks, safer crossings, bicycle lanes and shared-use paths.

WSDOT also uses Level of Traffic Stress to measure how comfortable a roadway may be for people walking, biking or rolling. Ratings range from LTS 1 to LTS 4, and US 12 through Packwood is rated LTS 4 for walking and biking - the highest level of traffic stress.

Community feedback will help identify where connections could be improved and what potential improvements should be considered.

US 12 Packwood engagement opportunity details

When: Through Friday, Nov. 13

Where: bit.ly/US12PackwoodSurvey

Details: People can learn more about the US 12 Packwood Planning Study and take a short survey about how they use the highway, what challenges they experience and what could work better. The survey takes about five minutes to complete.

Feedback will be summarized and posted on the study webpage. A second opportunity to provide input is planned for January 2027 followed by the final study summary and recommended improvements in May 2027.

The study is funded to identify and recommend potential improvements along US 12. Funding for design or construction has not been identified. Study findings and community feedback will help guide future projects and funding opportunities as they become available.

Free internet access

Free, temporary internet access may be available to those who do not have broadband services. Washington state's open data portal has created a map of public libraries offering drive up Wi-Fi, including locations, hours and contact information.