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FR,O.trECT T{AR,R.ATI VE <br />1- Project Description: Descrlbe the scope of work. lndicate the major work involved, inoluding a brief <br />comparison of existing and proposed conditions, <br />The proposed project will install a traffic signal at the intersection of 51h Avenue and Railroad <br />Avenue. Both Railroad Avenue and 5lh Avenue are minor arterial streets that are both on the <br />established City truck route, and both streets have significant truck volumes, ln addition, <br />immediately west of this intersection is 350 acres of contiguous park and open space land. The <br />current configuration is a two-way (east-west) stop sign controlled intersection, which routinely <br />has significant trafflc delays in the evening peak hour and when there are events at Rotary <br />Park. The above land uses create a unique transportation challenge at the intersection lhat <br />atfect freight mobility, hamper future industrialdevelopment, and limit regionalactivities and <br />events at Rotary Park, which can be resolved with the proposed improvements. The proposed <br />traffic signal will be an eight phase traffic signal, with phases dedicated for each through and <br />left turning movement. The traffic signalwill also include radar/video vehicle and bicycle <br />detection, emergency vehicle detection and preemption, pedestrian push buttons and displays, <br />and will be connected to the City's existing traf{ic signal rnanagement system, These <br />improvements will greatly enhance the safety and functionality of the intersection, which is the <br />entrance to Rotary Park. <br />2, Explain the specific lnfrastructure issues the project addresses and how lhey are linked to economic <br />developrnent i mprovements. <br />The City of Ellensburg's Comprehensive Plan (Dec. 2017) has adopted a minimum levelof <br />service (LOS) standard of C. Development that would drop the LOS below the minimum <br />allowed standard could not be permitted. Cunently the eastbound and westbound legs <br />approach a 20 second delay during the evening peak hour and exceed that during special <br />events at Rotary Park. A peak hour delay exceeding 25 seconds will drop the LOS to a D and <br />be below the adopted minimum. Based on curent groMh, this is anticipated within the next 3 <br />to 4 years. Once at these levels, building permits (commercial or residential)would not be able <br />to be issued for any project that would create vehicle trips at this location. lnstallation of a <br />traffic signal at this location, as outlined in our Comprehensive plan would improve the LOS of <br />the intersection to an LOS A, with mlnimal delays, Railroad Avenue and Dolarway Road have <br />a significant amount of undeveloped land which is zoned light industrial. $ignalization of this <br />intersection would allow for developmeni of these areas, which may not be permitted without <br />the project. ln addition, the improvements would also allow for expanded activities at Rotary <br />Park, including regional baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments. These activities include <br />events and toumaments which is a significant economic generator in Ellensburg. <br />The signalization of this intersection will also significantly improve the safety of the intersection. <br />The non-motorized or active modes of travel (pedestrian and bicycle) will have pedestrian push <br />buttons and walUdon't walk displays to provide specific dedicated pedestrian crossing tirnes to <br />safely cross the busy intersection. <br />9