The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) and its partners are working to identify locations for up to 10 mid-block crosswalks on Martin Way. This effort aims to make the corridor safer and more accessible.
The project team is seeking community feedback through an online survey. Residents who have used Martin Way in the past year are encouraged to participate and share their experiences and suggestions.
The survey focuses on specific sections of the corridor that respondents frequently use, allowing for targeted input on potential crosswalk locations.
The project, called the Martin Way Crossing Strategy, builds upon the 2022 Martin Way Corridor Study. It was a collaborative effort between TRPC, Thurston County, the cities of Olympia and Lacey, as well as Intercity Transit.
The study established a shared vision for Martin Way as a pedestrian-friendly corridor supporting high-capacity transportation options and high-density urban growth, including access to affordable housing.
The TRPC acknowledged that the corridor is challenging to navigate without a car and potentially hazardous for pedestrians. From 2015 to 2019, there were 41 collisions involving people who were walking or biking along Martin Way. Of those collisions, 13 resulted in fatalities or serious injuries.
The TRPC and its partners have established strategies that will:
The Martin Way crossing receives financial support through Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports the state's climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work by reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health.
Martin Way, a 7-mile corridor, is a vital artery for Olympia and Lacey. It offers an Interstate 5 alternative with frequent transit and diverse businesses.
Martin Way is also home to a diverse population with higher proportions of people of color, seniors, veterans, low-income households and individuals with disabilities.
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Chappellg
What or where is the link to take the survey?
Thursday, January 2 Report this
IleneP
The article is titled, Community input sought…” and yet doesn’t have any information about how or where to provide input. A better title would be “TRPC developing plans for Martin Way Crosswalks” then mention that they will be seeking community input in the article.
Thursday, January 2 Report this
Porter
Put them here:
1. Martin Way Diner at Steele St
2. Merritt Manor at Mary Elder Rd
3. 3900 block netween Sleater Kinney and Lindsay Lane
4. Etc
Thursday, January 2 Report this
BillString
Fix all of the potholes in the roads first, then let's talk crosswalks.
Thursday, January 2 Report this
JoyceM
Here's a link to the Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWSurvey
And a link to the TRPC page about the project: https://www.trpc.org/1193/Martin-Way-Crossing-Strategy
Thursday, January 2 Report this
KarenM
Legally, 'crosswalks' exist, in terms of driver responsibilities, at every intersection, whether the crosswalk is 'marked' or not. (or has signs, lights, paint etc.) This project is aiming to identify places where more safety support is needed to get across Martin Way. Speeds need to be reduced no matter what type of signs, lights, paint, etc. are added. Here are the details on WA law regarding crosswalks.
Washington State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks at every intersection, whether marked or unmarked:
Stop for pedestrians: Drivers must stop and give the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Don't pass stopped vehicles: It's illegal to pass another vehicle stopped for someone at a crosswalk.
Obey traffic signals: Pedestrians must obey regular traffic signals if there are no pedestrian control signals.
Don't block crosswalks: Motorists cannot park or stop in a crosswalk.
Yield to bicycles: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicycles on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Here are some other crosswalk laws in Washington:
Pedestrians have the same rights in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk into the path of a vehicle.
Vehicles turning right on red must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Thursday, January 2 Report this