The Palouse Regional Transportation Planning Organization has released the final draft of the Whitman County Truck and Freight Study and is seeking community feedback.

The study aims to address freight traffic in downtown Pullman, focusing on reducing congestion and enhancing safety.

The organization has proposed a series of alternative routes for truck and freight traffic within the city. The top three routes identified are:

1. **Bishop Boulevard Route:**
– This option presents minor travel time increases and has been deemed the most competitive.
– Estimated improvement cost: $6.7 million.
– It is prioritized due to its significant potential for truck diversion.

2. **Sand Road–Kirkendahl Road Route:**
– This route has regional support and is already partially under study/design.
– Estimated improvement cost: $16.9 million.
– It is considered suitable for agricultural traffic originating from the east.

3. **Albion Road Route:**
– This existing truck route requires lower infrastructure investment.
– Estimated improvement cost: $9.3 million.
– It serves as an important connection to the Port of Almota for agricultural goods.

The study suggests that focusing on the Bishop Boulevard and Sand Road–Kirkendahl routes provides the most viable near-term solutions for achieving the goals of the study while facilitating freight mobility in Pullman.

Community comments on the final draft will be accepted until May 23. The full report and feedback submission can be found here.