HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-23 PW Study session supporting documents KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: June 23,2025
TOPIC: No. 6 Road and Kittitas Hwy Intersection
Update
ACTION REQUESTED: Direction to Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Joshua Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct staff regarding implementation of additional engineered intersection
improvements.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Kittitas Highway and the intersection with No. 6 Road continue to experience
reported crashes.
• Public Works has implemented several mitigation measures at this intersection.
• In October of 2023, LED advanced warning signs were installed on both Kittitas
Hwy and No. 6 Road to warn drivers of the upcoming intersection.
• In April of 2024, Public Works installed stop bars on No. 6 Road to help visually
notice drivers of the stop condition on No. 6 Road.
• In August of 2024, Public Works worked with adjacent property owners to
remove vegetation to improve the sight lines at the stop condition on No. 6 Road.
• Public Works has investigated the merits and costs of several potential
intersection improvements at the Kittitas Highway and No. 6 Road intersection.
o Transverse Optical Stop Bars
o Rumble Strip Stop Bars
o Illuminated Stop Ahead Signs
o Removal of Obstructions in the ROW
o Alternative Striping Plan
BACKGROUND:
The County installed mitigation measures for safety improvements to the intersection of
Kittitas Highway and No. 6 Road. In October of 2023, LED advanced warning and stop
signs were installed as a part of a County Wide intersection improvement project. In
April of 2024 Public Works installed stop bars at the stop condition on the north and
south side of the intersection near the stop signs. Additionally, to improve the sight lines
for westbound traffic approaching the intersection, vegetation was removed in August of
2024.
Vehicle crash history in 2020 was two (2) crashes, four(4) crashes in 2021, six(6)
crashes in 2022 and nine (9) reported accidents in 2023. Since then,three (3) accidents
were reported in 2024 and there have been two (2) reported so far this year, most recently
on May 31, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
To continue to make incremental improvements, Public Works has evaluated the merits
and costs of the following possible additional mitigation measures to be considered at the
intersection.
Speed Reduction Markings:
Also known as Optical Speed Bars, FHWA recommends Optical Speed Bars be used
when drivers need to decelerate in advance of a road feature. Transverse paint lines
approximately 12 x 18 inches are deployed perpendicular to the longitudinal road lines.
The space between each line gradually decreases to give drivers the perception they've
increased their speed causing them to slow down to keep the same time between each set
of bars. Typical applications include horizontal or vertical curves, but it's noted Optical
Speed Bars are an effective countermeasure for additional applications.
Traffic Rumble Strips:
A solution that was previously implemented at several intersections throughout the
County, including No. 6 Road. Traffic rumble strips installed in advance to a stop sign
provide both an audio and physical cue to drivers of an upcoming stop. Permanent
traverse rumble strips are typically cut into the existing roadway surface.
Illuminated Stop Ahead Signs:
LED bordered advanced warning signs are currently in place on all four legs of the
intersection. Signs on the north and south legs of the intersection could be replaced with
LED signs which light up when traffic approaches that leg of the intersection. This type
of sign is more likely to catch the attention of drivers, warning them of the upcoming
stop. However,this type of sign would likely require a permanent power source. It would
also require a radar system or infrastructure installed in the pavement to trigger the
lighting system when desired.
Removal of Obstructions within ROW:
A white vinyl fence and utility pole are located in the southeast corner of the intersection.
There appears to be sufficient sight distance and clear zone space for the obstructions,but
removal may increase sight distances creating a safer environment.Neither accident
which has occurred this year has been one in which either obstruction is likely to have
obstructed views partially or otherwise.
Alternative Striping Plan:
Currently Kittitas Highway and No. 6 Road are both striped with a single dashed stripe
line up to the intersection. This is a standard striping practice seen on rural roads
throughout the County and meets the standard of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD). Double yellow stripes can replace the striping on each leg of the
intersection and the change in striping may help alert drivers to a change in road
condition for the intersection.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Speed Reduction Markings:
This is a relatively low-cost countermeasure but does require annual maintenance. Public
Works estimates approximately $2,000 per year to install and maintain Speed Reduction
Markings.
Traffic Rumble Strips:
Permanent rumble strips are relatively low-cost countermeasures. Public Works estimates
$3,000 to install and maintain permanent rumble strips.
Illuminated Stop Ahead Signs:
This is a moderate-cost countermeasure and Public Works estimates $10,000 to $12,000
to install.
Removal of Obstructions within ROW:
The cost of relocating these obstructions would ultimately fall entirely on the private
property and utility owners, however it may be necessary for Public Works crews to
perform the work and seek reimbursement after the fact.
Alternative Striping Plan:
This is a relatively low-cost countermeasure but does require annual maintenance. Public
Works estimates $2,000 to install and maintain yearly.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Public Works Study Session
Regular Meeting
Monday June 23, 2025 - 1 :30 PM
BoCC Auditorium
205 West 5th Room 109-Ellensburg
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Comments(1 min.time limit)
3. No.6 Road and Kittitas Hwy Intersection Update
4. Other Business -No Action to be taken
5. Concluded
Created on 6/20/2025 9:13:45 AM