Laserfiche WebLink
Priority 1: Corridor and Intersection Safety Improvements <br />This project provides corridor and intersection countermeasures and improvements at unsignalized intersections and <br />road segments identified as having insufficient, “out of date”, or non-effective safety measures based on accident <br />data analysis and safety studies. Both Vantage Highway and Kittitas Highway are 50 mph, high-ADT, arterial access <br />corridors with overall roadways that are in good condition which have a higher collision rate than any other County <br />road.(Appendix A, Table 2).This project would provide identification and target specific intersections as well as <br />potential spot-improvements to these heavily traveled intersections throughout the county with implementation of <br />countermeasures presumed to be effective for each specific location. Kittitas County recognizes that improvements <br />to these corridors may provide benefit to a great number of local residents, recreational travelers, and freight transit; <br />and, any improvements that could reduce potential future crashes are beneficial. We previously identified No. 6 Rd. <br />and Vantage Hwy, as well as two other intersections along Kittitas Hwy at Matthews Rd and No. 6 Rd, for safety <br />improvements. Emphasis should be put on corridor and intersection improvements on Kittitas Hwy and Vantage Hwy <br />as a combined 26% of all serious and fatal crashes have occurred on Kittitas Hwy and Vantage Hwy combined. <br />Additionally, all serious and fatal accidents at Kittitas Hwy and No. 6 Rd have occurred during dark hours with <br />yielding issues as the cause. <br /> <br />The combination of repeated accident history and their quantities at No. 6 Rd and Kittitas Hwy makes this <br />intersection a high frequency collision area (two reportable crashes per year over a three year period, or three or <br />more over a five year period) bringing this segment up in the priority list of projects. The Kittitas Hwy/No. 6 Rd project <br />would include providing an adequate clear zone, LED-enhanced signs, and possible increased visibility measures. <br />Continued monitoring and further evaluation will also continue at this location to identify potential future safety <br />improvement opportunities. <br /> <br />Local safety improvements along Kittitas Hwy and Vantage Hwy include large scale improvements such as widening <br />and bridge replacements with updated guardrail. The county is taking this opportunity to evaluate the <br />countermeasures recently installed for performance success to analyze if corridor related accidents decrease. This <br />will allow for identification of whether additional countermeasures may need to be implemented in the future. <br /> <br />Signage proposed includes, but may not be limited to, solar powered LED-enhanced flashing stop signs, LED- <br />enhanced stop ahead signs, LED-enhanced cross traffic signs, and additional warning signs such as “Cross Traffic <br />Does Not Stop” and “T intersection” in locations where accident frequency is high or the County has recognized a <br />need to increase safety. These areas include intersections or road segments where signage is not existing (but <br />should be), is lacking, and/or needs updated equipment. One example would be the intersection of Thrall Rd. and <br />Clemons Rd. (T-intersection) which has an existing outdated beacon light which is hard powered in. Additional