WSDOT EAST/WEST CONNECTIVITY STUDY

STUDY RESULTS RELEASED

 

COPY LINK BELOW - ON PAGE SCROLL DOWN TO "STUDY REPORT" BELOW PLANNING STUDY REPORT HEADLINE

 

https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-studies/south-pierce-multimodal-connectivity-study

 

WSDOT FORMAL TITLE
"SOUTH PIERCE COUNTY MULTIMODAL CONNECTIVITY STUDY"

 

WHAT KIND OF STUDY IS IT?

This recently completed study, led by WSDOT, was to evaluate current east/west mobility of the Pierce County transporation network between SR7 and SR162 and SR512 and Graham.  They were to specifically identify the transportation network and it's shortcomings (identify the needs).  Their outcome was not to provide recommendations for improving this connectivity and multmodal options but to identify possible areas of improvement. 

 

WHAT SHOULD THE THE STUDY OUTCOME PRODUCE?

The study outcome should benefit Pierce County in it's efforts to prioritize funding for projects needed to improve east/west connectivity in South Pierce County, the fastest growing area of the County.  It also looks at mobility options the County may incorporate into its long term planning to reduce the volumes of traffic in this area.

 

WHAT IS IN THE STUDY THAT DIRECTLY EFFECTS US?

The study should include SR162 to SR161 connection alternatives. This addresses the equity in service shortcoming of the transportation network to the Bonney Lake plateau.  Currently this plateau has only one primary east/west link (SR410).  The new County highway connecting the plateau to the Orting Valley stops at SR162.  The study should evaluate connectivity options from there to SR161 (Meridian).

 

EXTENDING THE NEW HIGHWAY FROM THE BONNEY LAKE PLATEAU OPTION

One of the alternatives is the extension of the Tehaleh highway from SR162 at 128th St E to either 144th St E or to Reservoir Road to South Hill.  This option provides a direct east/west connection of the Bonney Lake and South Hill plateaus up an undeveloped hillside to South Hill.  SEE MAP HERE (Reservoir Rd connection option not shown)

 

128th St. E OPTION PROJECTED COST LOOKS TOO HIGH IN STUDY RESULTS

Projected cost for extending 128th St E to South Hill (a two-lane highway) is the same as the 5-lane highway being built down the opposite hillside from Bonney Lake plateau.

 

IMPROVING THE EXISTING MILITARY ROAD OPTION

The study also considers making improvements to Military Road as an alternative.

This historical road would be dramatically changed by the addition of climbing lane on the steeper hillside requiring a large cut-back area with a retaining wall.  The balance of the road above that would increase to four travel lanes with a center turn lane.

 

WHY WE REJECT THE MILITARY ROAD OPTION

We feel that this option has many drawbacks to include:

  • Extensive widening issues with residential displacement
  • Extended construction shutdown with no alternate corridor avaliable
  • Eastbound traffic from Bonney Lake plateau would have to travel north on SR162 to reach Military Road adding to the already overcapacity SR162
  • There is no east/west redundancy if Military Road becomes impassable
  • Improvement costs come close to what it would cost to build new road
  • Military Road feeds into already congested area of South Hill
  • Environmental issues:
    • Noise pollution to hillside residential developments
    • Air pollution to hillside residential developments
    • Light pollution to surrounding developments
    • Impacts to wetlands below hillside
  • Public Safety concerns:
    • Many hillside developments have uncontrolled no outlet connections to Military Road
    • Volume of traffic leaves limited safe access opportunities
    • Inadequate room for mulitmodal lane (bike lane) with only room of sidewalk

 

WHY WE SUPPORT EXTENDING THE NEW HIGHWAY TO SOUTH HILL

  • Provides a direct link between the Bonney Lake and South Hill plateaus

  • Removes east/west traffic between plateaus from SR162 to use Military Rd

  • New road construction would cause no impact to existing roadways

  • Undeveloped hillside does not displace residents

  • Connects to South Hill in a less congested area

  • Aligns with future improvement to east/west corridors

  • Provides another evacuation route from Orting Valley

  • Opens opportunity for east/west public transportation

  •  

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES WE ARE CONCERN WITH?

  • We feel that there is no equity in service to areas like Bonney Lake due to lacking east/west connectivity
  • Bonney Lake plateau and South Hill plateau must have a connecting corridor
  • The most effective connection is to extend the new highway from Tehaleh to either 144th St E or to Reservoir Road on South Hill
  • Military Road is not a feasible option alone for providing east/west connectivity
  • Military Road improvements would completely shut down all east/west travel across the Orting Valley during construction
  • Extending the Tehaleh highway would offer east/west redundancy
  • Building this corridor extension would not impact any current traffic flow during its construction
  • Cost of new highway not much greater than Military Road improvements
    • Benefits of new highway much greater 

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Tehaleh, Bonney Lake, Enemclaw, and even Orting communities lack an effective public transporatation system that links these areas to the Sounder rail service, retail centers, and medical centers.  By extending 128th St E onto South Hill, it opens up additional public transportation opportunities linking both the Bonney Lake and South Hill communities to these services, THUS reducing the number of vehicles on our roadways.

 

YOUR ROLE IF YOU CHOOSE TO HELP
Keep yourself informed by this website and see our "Please Help" page for ways to connect with city, county, and state agencies to provide them your feedback on transportation issues.  Periodically, we request email participation on issues and could use your support then.

 

Want more?  You can join our FACEBOOK group for more imediate updates.   

 

 

 

 

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