For the Reporter
Do you wonder why some crosswalks are marked and others are not? Have you noticed the new pedestrian crossing on Kent-Kangley Road?
On Monday, June 20, city staff will present policy recommendations on installing and maintaining marked crosswalks to the Public Works Committee. If the policy is adopted by the City Council, 61 new crosswalks would be marked and the existing markings at 47 crosswalks would be removed as early as this summer.
Policy recommendations:
• Mark crosswalks at traffic signals, except where not appropriate for traffic flow.
• Mark crosswalks at stop signs where needed to direct pedestrians for traffic flow or safety reasons.
• At locations without a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign, consider the number of vehicles, speed limit, number of lanes, and pedestrian volume.
• Within the downtown area, mark crosswalks at intersections to encourage pedestrian activity.
• On school walk routes, mark crosswalks to guide students.
• Mark crosswalks at designated school crossings.
As part of the policy, the city would develop and maintain a prioritized list of locations that could be improved by additional safety features, such as flashing lights. These features and crosswalk markings would be installed as funding becomes available. Input from residents and businesses will be considered in prioritizing those locations.
The policy recommendations are based on state law and current guidelines.
After the June 20 Public Works Committee meeting, the council will consider scheduling a public hearing on the matter. The council may adopt the resolution as early as this summer.
Questions and comments should be sent to Senior Transportation Planner Lacey Jane Wolfe at lwolfe@kentwa.gov or call 253-856-5564.
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