Intercity Transit (IT) is reconsidering its plan to construct a roundabout on Martin Way and Merdian Road, according to an update by Development Director Peter Stackpole.
The transportation agency proposed a roundabout to enable bus vehicles to turn around and begin westward trips.
Residents from Ridgeview and Nisqually Bluff have opposed the project due to concerns regarding road safety, with a petition against the roundabout collecting 99 signatures, according to IT staff.
Summarizing the comments received for the project, Stackpole said that the primary issue was access to Martin Way from Ridgeview. Other concerns include potential accidents for those unfamiliar with the roundabout, visual obstructions when driving uphill along Martin Way, and access to establishments near the intersection.
To address the issue, Stackpole told the agency’s board of directors on Wednesday, June 5, that they are expanding the scope of the project to study an alternative for the roundabout. The alternative would still enable buses to reverse direction but preserve the current intersection at Martin Way and Meridian Road.
Stackpole mentioned developing a score sheet that would evaluate the alternative based on various factors such as safety, traffic impact, environmental impact, financial feasibility, and others. The agency will also expand its public outreach efforts to engage with more residents and stakeholders.
IT has not yet secured funding for the construction of the project. Only the initial phase of the project has been financed through a combination of grants, totaling $798,000, from the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration.
Asked by board member Clark Gilman if the grant funding could cover the additional planning work needed for the project, Stackpole said one of the grants is broad enough to cover the expanded scope.
The agency has not yet officially produced any design document for the project. Stackpole reported that the only documents produced so far have been a topographic survey, a right-of-way mapping, a geotechnical study, and a traffic validation study.
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jimlazar
They should proceed with the roundabout.
It is well-established that roundabouts are safer than traditional intersections, as long as they are properly designed. They also reduce congestion, move traffic, allow pedestrian crossings, and provide a center island for public art.
A badly designed roundabout is a problem. Olympia's two mini-roundabouts on Henderson Blvd are poorly designed and result in frequent minor accidents. Even with the poor design, however, they avoid serious accidents, simply because people are going slowly.
It's appropriate for IT to consider alternatives. But a petition of 99 people versus the 10,000 people per day who will benefit from the elimination of traffic signals who pass through that crossing every day is not a reason to stop development of the roundabout.
Wednesday, June 12 Report this
olyhiker
No roundabout. The lights work fine.
Thursday, June 13 Report this
coordinator
It is not "well established" that roundabouts are safer. The roundabout on Marvin/Britton Prky/Willamette is very dangerous. Accidents have increased 55 times worse than before roundabout. Totally unacceptable. A roundabout at Martin/Duterrow/Meridian would be even worse due to higher volume. Stop lights much safer, should remain that way.
Tuesday, July 9 Report this