08/19/1996 - Work Study - MinutesPort Orchard, Washington
August 19, 1996
Council of the City of Port Orchard, Washington, met for a Study Session at 7:30 PM at City
of Port Orchard Fire Station, 200 Tremont Street.
Council members present: Clauson, Wyatt, Morrison, Geiger, Powers and Grable.
Staff present: City Engineer Curles and City Clerk Parks.
City Engineer Curles opened meeting stating the purpose of this Study Session is to meet
with Bethel Avenue Wye Project Design Consultants, S. Chamberlain and Associates, and
discuss design alternatives.
Engineer Curles introduced Perry Shea of S. Chamberlain and Associates who offered two
design alternatives, a "Round -a -bout" and a "T" intersection with signal control. Neither
design causes significant impact to adjacent property owners. Some bowling alley parking
reconfiguration and cemetery ingress/egress issues will need to be addressed.
Mr. Shea outlined benefits and disadvantages of each design alternative. He reported the
consultants have spent several months collecting information from various states and Europe
on design standards for "Round -a -bout" intersections. His presentation included two videos
which illustrated Round -a -bouts in the States of Maryland and Colorado.
Mr. Shea stated that if the "Round -a -bout" design is accepted and constructed, it would be
the first intersection of this design in the Washington State Highway system. Mile Hill
Drive is a State Highway and final design will require Washington State Department of
Transportation approval.
Benefits of the "Round -a -bout" design include, intersection capacity is projected to handle
anticipated growth for next 20+ years; improve traffic flow - better for emergency vehicles;
safety - fewer conflict points; lower speeds - generally less than 30 MPH, makes decision
making easier; lower construction and maintenance cost; minimal striping required; better
environmentally - less pollution; less land needed; better landscape potential; and, less
traffic delay - vehicles are not held in que.
Disadvantages of the "Round -a -bout" design, drivers in this area are not familiar with
design and traffic flow pattern. A strong education program should be considered.
Benefit of "T" intersection with signal control, drivers are familiar with this design
concept.
Disadvantages of "T" intersection with signal control, requires more land; lower
intersection capacity, requiring expansion of lanes in future to handle increased traffic;
higher construction and maintenance cost - annual signal control maintenance is
approximately $3,000 plus additional for striping and paving costs; limits traffic flow,
causing back up while vehicles held are in que; because of topography and existing site
distances, a warning light would be required east of Mitchell Avenue overpass to warn
westbound traffic of stop light.
Both designs will require leveling of roadway from approximately 10% slope to 3 - o slope.
August 19, 1996
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Councilmembers unanimously concurred that presentation to State DOT is to include their
intent that adjacent property owners are to be considered and impacts are to be minimized
when alternatives are available.
After thoughtful consideration, consensus of Council members and interested citizens present
is to proceed with design development of the "Round -a -bout" configuration.
Mr. Shea and Engineer Curles explained next step is to formally present preliminary design
to Washington State Department of Transportation, seeking their approval and possible
funding assistance.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
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Patricia Parks, City Clerk
Leslie J. Weatherill, Mayor