Planning is in its final stages for the WinCo discount food store coming to Sumner.

The 93,000-square-foot grocery outlet will be constructed along 166th Avenue East, just south of state Route 410.

Sumner Community Development Director Paul Rogerson said design reviews have been completed and State Environmental Policy Act hurdles have been cleared for the project as well as civil permits for street improvements. Construction is under way and dirt is being turned on the 16-acre site. The city is currently processing building permits for the structure, he said.

Significant improvements will be made to the 166th Avenue, in accordance with the project agreement.

Improvements to the roadway will include the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of the SR 410 eastbound off-ramp and 166th, and widening the section of roadway north of the signal into four travel lanes complete with sidewalks, curbs, storm drainage and lighting.

Until recently the Sumner Fred Meyer was the only major retail outlet in the area. Now the new store will offer an alternative venue for Sumner’s grocery needs.

Amy Richmond of Sumner’s Fred Meyer said she doesn’t expect the new development to have any effect on her store’s sales, primarily because Fred Meyer offers a large variety merchandise other than food items.

Richmond said she expects a small lull in the store’s grocery area for a short period after WinCo opens its doors but will quickly return to business as usual.

Rogerson said construction of the WinCo Foods store should be completed by the end of the year.

WinCo Foods is an employee-owned company with more than 60 stores in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada.