PD-17-00001 Marian Meadows Full Record with Index (2)

Home Browse Search

Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-77 speed limit. Based on that guidance, no left-turn lanes are needed. Turn lanes may also be implemented under special circumstances, such as when visibility is poor; however, in this case the sight distance is adequate. Mitigation for collisions Although the potential for collisions would increase due to higher traffic volumes, the existing low collision frequency and relatively low future traffic volumes suggest that the amount of collisions in future would not rise to a level of concern. However, based on the shared-use character of Sparks Road, warning signs may be desirable to reduce the potential for vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions in areas around curves in the roadway, where sight distance is reduced, and/or where pedestrian activity is relatively high. Mitigation for pedestrian, bicycle, and other off-road use With the substantial increases in traffic volumes, roadways previously shared by motorized and non- motorized travel modes could pose safety concerns. Pedestrian and non-motorized transportation modes could be accommodated on sidewalks or a trail system placed behind the standard ditch section on a rural roadway. Such facilities should be designed in consultation with the local school district to ensure they provide safe public walkways for school children from residences to schools or to bus stops in new subdivisions (RCW 58.17.110). Motorized off-road trails are often preferred as a separate trail system because of potential hazards to slow moving and non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles or cross- country skiers. Off-road trails for snowmobiles are often preferred because plowed roads are narrow, collisions are difficult to avoid, and may lead to serious injuries. For winter use, off-road trails are also preferred because clearing for driveways interrupts sidewalks or trails next to the road and makes them unusable. Off-road trails do not require plowing and remain functional throughout the winter. Local communities must decide if trails shared by non-motorized users such as pedestrians, bicycles, and motorized users such as off-road vehicles and snowmobiles are acceptable. In most cases, shared trails must be wider to serve both motorized and non-motorized users. Maintaining or formalizing existing off-road trails through the site on the BPA transmission line easement would serve the residents of the development as well as other users in the vicinity and avoid displacement of informal use to adjacent National Forest and other public lands. Mitigation for the character of the local community Use of local streets as part of the pattern of social interactions within the community, including as a play area for children, may change as the result of perceived increases in traffic. The community most likely to be affected is the Easton Village subdivision of small lots through which Country Road passes. It may be that residents would restrict children’s use of the roads due not only to vehicles but off-road vehicle use. Traffic volumes on Country Road by Marian Meadows residents may be reduced by restricting the access to emergency use only; however, this would affect overall circulation patterns in the area. To reduce impacts of increased traffic volumes, signage could be installed on the roadway advising drivers of