As a professional driver who has driven the South 228th Street corridor and Central Avenue South for years, the selection of the recommended Puget Sound Regional Council funded projects for Kent is puzzling.
First, the Union Pacific Railroad branch line that crosses South 228th Street is lightly used. Delay time for drivers there is minimal compared to delay time at SR 181 (68th Avenue South) just four blocks to the west. Whereas a vehicle could cross the Union Pacific tracks numerous times during a workweek without encountering a train, the vehicle is assured of encountering a delay at SR 181 because the traffic signal is timed to favor north-south traffic.
There is minuscule advantage, very low “bang for the buck,” to constructing an overpass over a branch line; no increase in train traffic or train speed will occur. Conversely, an overpass over SR 181 would allow unimpeded vehicle and pedestrian crossing of the highway, reduce pollution from idling trucks and eliminate many high speed collisions that occur there.
Second, the amount dedicated to Central Avenue South Pavement Preservation is too little, too late. The pavement there is in a shambles. It needs to be completely replaced, and additional funding needs to be directed there. Pedestrians and residents waiting at bus stops when it rains are frequently drenched by spray from passing vehicles hitting ruts.
Lastly, PSRC has recommended $1.125 million for the Kent Regional Trails Connector. Although trails are important for recreation, the source for that amount of funding appears misplaced. Why is this a priority from a transportation improvement program, and not a recreation improvement program? How do trails assist in meeting the Congressional focus of “… growing and sustaining jobs … ?”
In summary, please consider redirecting the funds for an overpass over a railroad branch line, increase funding for the Central Avenue South pavement and cancel funding for recreation projects with transportation funds.
– Donald Villeneuve
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