Based on the traffic data that was available it would appear that single lane roundabouts, with a right turn lane or two, would be adequate in the short term. If a decision were made to increase the capacity of SR 169, for the long term a two-lane roundabout would seem to be more desirable.
- Fill in the missing links within the existing road network, such as 280th St. and 240th St.
- Construct an extensive system of sidewalks throughout the City.
- Upgrade and extend the network of trails with the urban areas of the trails, with urban portions lighted.
- Install roundabouts at the problem intersections at the following intersections:
- Witte Road at 220th Avenue;
- SR 516 at 216th Avenue;
- Witte Road at 228th Avenue;
- Maple Valley Highway at 280th Street; and
- Possibly at 231St Street.
The possibility of constructing roundabouts on SR 516 at both Witte Road and at 216th Street should be discussed with the DOT. It may be possible to construct two roundabouts with the budget that DOT has planned for the signalization at the Witte Road/SR 516 intersection (reportedly around one million dollars), with funding left over for additional projects.
- An immediate problem for the City’s transportation system is the construction of the 600 homes southeast of Four Corners. It is essential that multiple entrances and exits be constructed on both Maple Valley Highway and Kent Langley Road to distribute the traffic. If not, the Four Corners intersection will be overwhelmed by the additional 6,000 vehicle trips per day that this development will generate
- As sidewalks are constructed, pedestrian refuge islands should be provided in the center of the road to assist pedestrians to cross the road and to help slow vehicles.
- The addition of street lighting in conjunction with the construction of sidewalks will further enhance the walking experience and safety.
A very important addition to the development plan would be road or pathway connections from the development to the existing Safeway site. Such a connection would decrease the number of trips from the development to Four Corners and reduce the traffic load on the surrounding streets and the Four Corners intersection. The connection should be considered as a part of the requirement for a permit for access across the City to Maple Valley Highway. At least two entrances from the development onto Maple Valley Highway (for example, at 280th Street and 275th Street) would distribute traffic and improve egress and ingress to the developments on the west side of Maple Valley Highway.
Short Term Improvements
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