The Chelan County PUD is considering a land exchange with the City of Wenatchee for the Confluence Parkway project.
The PUD would exchange a small patch of land for roughly equivalent property from the City. The agreement aims to reduce the environmental impact of the road project by constructing a noise wall and berms with landscaping.
The Apple Capital Loop Trail would also be improved, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Wenatchee River would be twice as wide as the existing bridge.
The project will require approval from the Federal Highway Administration and FERC. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $177 million, with most of it being covered by federal and state funding.
PUD Commissioners are expected to vote on the draft agreement at their next meeting on March 20, with approval required by the Wenatchee City Council.
The Confluence Parkway project will be the largest road infrastructure project in the City's history, including a 2.5-mile bypass at the north end of Wenatchee, and a new vehicle bridge over the Wenatchee River.