SEQUIM– Speed limits will be lowered on two Clallam County roads next month pending approval from the three county commissioners.
Commissioners Mike Doherty, Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman next week will set a Nov. 17 public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would lower the speed limit on West Sequim Bay Road from 35 mph to 30 mph and the speed limit on upper Old Mill Road south of Port Angeles from 35 mph to 20 mph.
A 25 mph speed limit for Bear Creek Road on the county’s West End near Sappho would formally be established.
Ross Tyler, Clallam County engineer, said the change for West Sequim Bay Road was the result of a private party petition.
Under new county policy, a private citizen can petition to a change the speed limit by gathering signatures from affected property owners. The number of signatures must be 10 percent of the average number of vehicle that drive the road daily.
Once the speed limit is changed by petition, it is locked in place for five years. County officials can change speed limit as needed, however.
Response to complaints
In response to neighborhood complaints of motorcyclists racing on Old Mill Road near its southern terminus, Tyler drove the windy road himself and proposed the 15 mph speed reduction himself.
“That was an appropriate change,” Tyler said in Monday’s work session.
Old Mill Road is suitable for 35 mph beyond the county line, Tyler said, but it eventually pinches down and winds its way up a steep hill with limited visibility.
The road is so steep that county crews have to shovel sand in the winter to get trucks up the grade. The speed limit would change to 20 mph from Milepost 1.39 to its terminus.
If approved, the 30 mph speed limit on West Sequim Bay road will take drivers from the Sequim city limit to the road’s terminus at U.S. Highway 101 southeast of the city.
Public comment will be accepted until the Nov. 17 hearing.
Comments can be sent to the commissioners’ office at 223. E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, or e-mailed through the county’s Web site, www.clallam.net.
In today’s business meeting, the commissioners will consider a $2,520 right of way agreement with a private property owner for 0.08 acre of right of way along Old Olympic Highway.
The county is widening the east-west thoroughfare between Sequim and Port Angeles to provide enough space for two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders on both sides.
Construction is slated for next summer.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com
