CHIMACUM — Those interested in helping to shape transportation improvements on the state Highway 19 and 20 corridor can share their thoughts with state Department of Transportation representatives Thursday.
The state will conduct an open house beginning at 4 p.m. at Chimacum Creek Primary School gym, 313 Ness Corner Road, Port Hadlock.
“At this stage, we’re going to present initial study recommendations and priorities, and we are seeking review and input,” said Nazmul Alam, state Transportation project manager.
The first round of public meetings was last fall.
Transportation in December listed more than 50 suggested road improvement options along state highways 19 and 20 in Jefferson County, and pitched a “smart trip” pilot program that, with citizen support, could become part of the state highways corridor plan.
State Highway 19 and a section of state Highway 20 from the junction with 19 to the ferry terminal in Port Townsend are being studied in collaboration with Jefferson County Public Works, the city of Port Townsend and users of the route.
Alam expects to endorse recommended improvements this fall and draft a plan this winter.
Citizen suggestions for highways corridor improvements include:
• Add a new state Highway 104 interchange, overpass or traffic circle at Center and Beaver Valley roads.
• Add access improvements to the Olympic Gateway Visitor and transit center on Center Road near 104, including a 40-stall park-and-ride lot.
• Add non-motorized facilities to Center and Chimacum roads to West Valley Road between Chimacum Schools and the Tri-Area Community Center.
• Create a non-motorized trail between Chimacum Schools and H.J. Carroll Park near Port Hadlock.
• Add park-and-ride lots at Ness Corner Road (state Highway 116 to Marrowstone Island) and near the intersection of Center and Chimacum roads.
• Improve safety, with turning lanes at Prospect and Airport roads.
• Stripe a bike lane southbound on highways 19 and 20.
• Widen Highway 20 from Highway 19 north to Old Fort Townsend Road, and improve left turns.
• Improve the intersection of Discovery and Mill roads to Washington Street in Port Townsend.
For more information, contact Alam at the state Department of Transportation Olympic Region Planning Office, P.O. Box 47440, Olympia, WA 98504-7440, by phone at 360-357-2722 or e-mail at alamn@wsdot.wa.gov or see www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR19/corridorplan.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
