The City of Maple Valley is facing growth pains. As more people move into the City to enjoy the visual character, traffic will increase more rapidly than in some communities because of the current development style. If both the development style and growth to the south continues, the City will be faced with a decreasing quality of life and increased traffic congestion. In the short term, there are a number of projects suggested to ease traffic problems while the City chooses their future land use style. These include improvements to 231^st Street and its intersection with SR 169, and the construction of various roundabouts and missing links. Long term, development patterns will have a major impact on the types of roads that will have to be constructed. These options vary from two-lane, four lane or six-lane boulevards and a light rail option. Ultimately, the land use decisions, within and outside of the City, will determine the widths of the roads and hence the level-of-mobility and the quality of life for all citizens. If the City develops to its maximum population density, and development continues outside of the City, then a bypass is one method to provide for the increased traffic flow.

The following transportation descriptions and recommendations are the result of a 5-day planning workshop. Many suggestions relevant to transportation were obtained from the public at an evening workshop held on January 9, 1998. The following list summarizes the transportation-related public comments:

• Children want to be able to get to places where there are things for them to do.
• Residents want the City to be friendly, safe, peaceful, and family oriented.
• The new town center should be separated from the main arterial, State Route 169.
• The City should be walkable, with a developed trail system and green belt areas.
• Transit needs to be improved.
• Retaining and planting street trees is very important.
• The current level of congestion on SR 169 is unacceptable to the community.
• Shops should be within walking distance of at least some of the residential areas.
• The trails and roads should be well lit.
• People want small, pedestrian friendly streets with low traffic speeds.
• Extend 260 for a second access to Lake Wilderness.
• Bypass trucks and through traffic around the City.

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E-mail comments to Gregory J. McCormick
       AICP, Director of Community Development.