Olympia Council Reviews 2028-2033 Transportation Plan
The City Council received a presentation on upcoming infrastructure projects ahead of a December vote.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in City Hall
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Olympia officials are evaluating a new five-year Transportation Improvement Plan that details upcoming infrastructure projects and funding sources. The council is scheduled to vote on the formal adoption of the plan on December 15, 2026.
Why it matters
This plan establishes the framework for Olympia staff to pursue essential state and federal grants for local infrastructure development. Approval allows the city to advance critical corridor designs and crosswalk safety upgrades through 2033.
The city has secured $2.5 million for the 2.2-mile Martin Way corridor design and $1.3 million toward the $2.1 million Pacific Avenue crosswalk project. Council will vote on the full plan on December 15, 2026.
The players
Olympia City Council
This is the legislative body responsible for governing the city of Olympia and approving municipal infrastructure plans.
Thurston Regional Planning Council
This agency coordinates planning and funding efforts for transportation and infrastructure projects across the region.
Washington State Department of Transportation
This state agency manages road and highway construction and funding priorities throughout Washington.
Transportation Improvement Board
This board provides funding for local transportation projects that improve mobility and safety in Washington cities.
The details
The plan includes significant investments such as the multi-phase Capitol Corridor project, while staff are using funding delays on the Mottman Road project to reexamine pedestrian and bicycle safety at Percival Creek. Projects are selected by evaluating needs through the Thurston Regional Planning Council federal call for projects.
Timeline
2027 marks the planned start for Capitol Corridor Phase Two design work.
2028 is when design work for the Martin Way corridor is expected to begin.
2028-2033 is the period covered by the proposed Transportation Improvement Plan.
2029 is the planned start date for construction on Pacific Avenue crosswalks.
December 15, 2026 is the scheduled date for the City Council vote on the plan.
Political Context
The Olympia City Council faces pressure from advocacy groups favoring immediate pedestrian safety improvements over long-term corridor expansion. Opposition voices frequently challenge the reliance on state grants, arguing for higher local budget allocations to avoid construction delays.
Residents should anticipate future construction timelines along Martin Way and Pacific Avenue as these projects progress toward design and implementation. The plan ultimately dictates how local tax and grant funds are prioritized for daily traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the community.
The takeaway
Effective transportation planning relies on securing specific regional grants to mitigate the cost burden on local taxpayers. Residents can monitor the upcoming council vote to understand which corridor improvements will be prioritized for development in the next five years.
What happens next
The Olympia City Council is scheduled to hold a vote on the adoption of the Transportation Improvement Plan on December 15, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local policy, see the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by - The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.
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Do you support the transportation priorities proposed in your city's six-year improvement plan?
