Why is N 4th & MLK Blvd, Yakima Closed? Big Change in Downtown

A big change is coming to downtown Yakima at the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd. and North 4th Street.

Parents, teachers, and other staff at the private Catholic institution, St. Joseph Marquette elementary and middle school, have been concerned about erratic traffic at this intersection for a long time. (St. Joe's, as it's affectionately known, is the same school that sells those yummy "Fish Frydays" dinners during Lent.)

Recently at Yakima City Council meetings, bishops, church members, and others petitioned council members to allow them to permanently close off the intersection to all incoming and outgoing vehicle traffic.

LOCAL SCHOOL PAYS BIG MONEY TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE YAKIMA CITY STREET

The request to close off this Yakima city street was approved in June 2024, and the Catholic Bishop of Yakima agreed to pay the city a significant sum of money in order to have the block closed off.

The permanent closure of this roadway will allow pedestrians to safely cross the street to access the newly built gymnasium across from the church and the school.

WILL THIS STREET CLOSURE AFFECT FUTURE DOWNTOWN YAKIMA PARADE ROUTES?

In January, the city of Yakima celebrates the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and the route travels down the one-way road. Some residents were initially concerned that St. Joseph Marquette School's request might have a significant impact on the parade route, but the school's petitioned street closure only affects the perimeter around the new gymnasium.

Tuition at St. Joseph Marquette Catholic School ranges from $6,431 to $8,868 per student plus registration and other minimal fees. Income-based tuition is an option for parents and there is after school care provided for additional fees.