Long planned work to improve traffic signal coordination across the City of Sequim begins on Monday, March 6.
City staff report construction will go from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday for three to four weeks, depending on weather, at the following intersections:
• West Washington Street and Sequim Avenue
• West Washington Street and Third Avenue
• West Washington Street and Fifth Avenue
• West Washington Street and Seventh Avenue
• North Fifth Avenue and West Fir Street
• North Fifth Avenue and West Hendrickson Road
In a previous interview, Sequim public works director Sarah VanAusdle said she feels the project is “going to make a significant impact on the flow along Washington Street.”
According to city staff, crews will replace existing traffic signal controllers, and video detection equipment, and install new radios at the intersections to reduce wait times, and improve traffic flow for pedestrians and vehicles.
VanAusdle said the new video detection cameras don’t record vehicles but help anticipate vehicles to change lights faster.
She added that along with improving wait times, city staff look to reduce emissions at intersections, too.
Last December, Sequim city councilors approved a contract with Western Systems for up to $482,918.29 plus a 10 percent construction contingency with funding through from the city’s Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and Impact Fees.
Delays, localized closures, and detours are expected during work hours, city staff report.
Access for residents will be provided, but city staff caution residents to heed flaggers, cones, construction signage, and construction equipment and trucks.
The original effort to improve traffic signal coordination was delayed for various reasons, VanAusdle said, including rising costs, lack of bids, staffing changes, COVID-19 related supply chain issues, and labor shortages.
For more information on the project, call Sequim’s Public Works Department at (360) 683-4908.
