by MATTHEW NASH
Sequim Gazette

A few pedestrian road improvements should be coming later this year.

 

The Sequim City Council on April 25 voted 3-2, with Erik Erichsen and Don Hall voting no and Susan Lorenzen and Ted Miller absent, to approve $100,000 from the Transportation Benefit District toward priority projects: interim sidewalk improvements to North Third Avenue between Washington and Fir streets, a four-way stop at the intersection of Fir Street and Sequim Avenue, and the installation of bicycle racks.

 

Paul Haines, public works director, said all of the projects are being researched for safety and their intent is to make the money go as far as possible.

 

Currently, the sidewalks are disconnected and incomplete for stretches on Third Avenue between Washington  and Fir streets. Haines said the plan is to pave continuous concrete pathways on both sides.

 

The city could do the project less expensively with asphalt but some councilors prefer concrete and want the whole project finished at once.

 

“When the curb and gutters go in, we want to make sure it’s in line with final project and we only need to do it once and not need to tear up anything later,” Haines said.

 

Before the city goes forward with installing a four-way stop at Sequim Avenue and Fir Street, Haines said they needed an engineering analysis to determine whether four stop signs, a half signal/ pedestrian and bicycle crossing, or something else would be best in the interim.

 

A traffic signal costs about $200,000; painting lines and installing pedestrian signs costs $10,000-$15,000, Haines said.

 

City staff are measuring the number of passing cars, movements and pedestrians at the intersection.

 

City staff have identified four different bicycle rack designs but must determine the best locations for them. Haines said they found great spots but most are on private property. He estimates the city will be able to buy 10 to 20 and will know in the next few weeks where they’ll be placed.