JoAnn Schueler

Planning & programming manager

schuelj@wsdot.wa.gov

Steve Roark 

Regional Administrator

steve.roark@wsdot.wa.gov

Encourage WSDOT to focus on safety on this short corridor of SR162 between SR410 and Orting city limits.

This includes raising the priority on performing the funded study for a two-way turn lane and paved shoulders between SR410 and Orting.  The Tehaleh highway to SR162 is scheduled to be completed in 2027.  This will increase volume on SR162 dramatically.

Also WSDOT should include making the intersection at 149th St E and SR162 (High Cedars) a controlled intersection.  Volume levels from the residential community and golf club patrons are creating hazardous access and egress conditions on this 50mph stretch of SR162.  The Foothills Trail parallels SR162 and trail users must cross this uncontrolled intersection. 

Transportation safety is a state and county priority and this project stands at the forefront of corridors to be impacted by a dramatic increase in traffic and it's resulting threat to driver and pedestrian safety. 

We cannot overlook the benefit of a third lane to the evacuation of the Orting Valley from a Mt. Rainier lahar.

Current warning systems will not save valley residents, businesses, and commuters with only two lanes to evacuate thousands in less than an hour.

Be respectful and encourage WSDOT to respond to the safety and commute challenges of the SR162 corridor between Sumner and Orting.