This project has a set of needs that guide its design. These needs help WSDOT identify what improvements are essential—and where there may be opportunities to go further based on agency and community feedback.
Three types of needs
WSDOT defines project needs in three categories:
- Baseline Needs: The core reasons we are doing the project. These must be addressed to meet safety, operational or legal requirements. They answer the question, “Why are we here?”
- Complete Streets Needs: These are defined by legislative requirements to provide street access with all users in mind, including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users. Further, the transportation facilities must enable comfortable and convenient access to destinations for all people.
- Contextual Needs: These are informed by the surrounding environment and community. They may be addressed if feasible based on budget, schedule and alignment with project goals.
Baseline and Complete Streets needs
- Safety: Focus on reducing the potential for fatal and serious injury crashes and crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Active transportation facilities: Improvements that meet the WSDOT Complete Streets requirements and will make it more comfortable for pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Neighborhood connectivity: Improvements that reconnect portions of the community currently divided by SR 900.
- Transit improvements: Improvements that provide opportunity for increased access to transit.
Existing conditions
- Two lanes in each direction with left and right-turn lanes, and shoulders.
- Curb ramps that are not ADA compliant.
- Controlled crossing at two signalized intersections along SR 900 with long distances between controlled crossings for those that walk, bike or roll.
- Lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that meet WSDOT standards.
Contextual needs
- Active transportation personal security: Features that improve the feeling of personal security, such as lighting, as a pedestrian or bicyclist.
- Aesthetic features: Provide opportunities for community driven place-making, such as signing or artwork, within the corridor.
- Traffic calming: Improvements that reduce vehicle speeds
- Forward Compatibility: Compatibility of Phase A design with Phases B and C.