Point Wells, the impact on traffic-- putting potential design solutions in the hopper

Transportation Corridor Study areas

Text and photos by Marc Weinberg

On March 13, The City of Shoreline hosted the third in a series of six public meetings at City Hall on the Point Wells Transportation Corridor Study. The focus of this meeting was the more immediate area surrounding the proposed construction project which is designated as 'segment A' and parallels Richmond Beach Drive and the immediate area.

Kirk Harris responds to audience question
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

The theme of this workshop was to gather comments and create discussion related to several different roadway configurations for vehicle traffic, pedestrians and bicycles. Other major concerns are the 'cut-through traffic' that will be created as people try to avoid what will become the most heavily traveled main roads. These cut-through streets will be those that are now strictly residential and used primarily by people living there.

The most striking fact, based on the projected build-out of Point Wells, is that the models anticipate more than 11,000 vehicle trips per day over Shoreline roads. This is an average of 450-500 vehicles per hour, but in reality, during peak travel times in the AM/PM it will be significantly more, perhaps 2,3, or 4 times that average once the project is completed and occupied. Prior to that, residents along those routes will experience significant construction traffic of trucks and vehicles.

Kirk McKinley, Transportation Services Manager,
gives the audience an overview of the issues
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

There are three more meetings scheduled with the City planners. The March 19 and April 1 meetings will focus on the transportation corridor issues in a much wider impact area referred to as 'Segment B' : the affected areas on Richmond Beach Road, 195th and 185th Streets up to Aurora and as far north as 205th and south to Shoreline Community College. The third and final meeting on April 16 and will wrap up with the entire impacted area.

If you have not yet been involved this would be a time to make your concerns known and be present. All meeting schedules are the same. Doors open at 6:30pm and the meetings are from 7-9pm. For immediate questions you can contact Kirk McKinley, Transportation Services Manager at the City of Shoreline 206-801-2481 or kmckinley@shorelinewa.gov and consult the website.