Originally WADOT didn’t even consider where foot traffic or bike riders would go? How far out of touch are they?
Because of those comments and other like them, the department has considered some sort of pedestrian crossing at the roundabout during value engineering and cost assessments of the project — but costs stopped that option.
Costs? Just adding a double lane to turn left towards Whidbey Island would have COST LESS....but WADOT’s mindset is determined to put a round-about at Sharpe’s Corner.
Instead what may work and what is in a preliminary design stage is a pedestrian and bike path off the east side of the highway from Sharpes Corner to the Deception Pass Bridge. The path would extend from Sharpes Corner east to Christianson Road.
From there pedestrians and bicyclists would cross the highway using a video detection system expected to be installed at the intersection’s traffic signal by next spring.
Video detection system? Sounds like a complex solution that will have the OUT OF ORDER sign up a lot.
The path would then continue along March Point Road and hook up with the Tommy Thompson Parkway across the old railroad tressel.
Wait for it....
The next step is to see if the department can afford the path, estimated at $650,000. The estimate is included in the project’s overall estimate, however, WSDOT has also applied for a $650,000 grant through a state pedestrian and bicyclist program.
If it receives the grant, expected to be announced sometime this fall, the department will also have to complete the design of the project and acquire property, Harrison said.
So...the WADOT couldn’t afford to include a bike/walker access to their round-about but will be able to procure the funding to go out a 1/4 mile off to a train tressel after the video detective system gives bikers or walkers the go ahead?
Or...they could have simply added a double lane to the existing intersection.
Our tax dollars at work
