Questions remain regarding city’s traffic plan

Published 12:21 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

NORTH BEND – Roundabouts versus signals and discovering ways to move drivers off North Bend Way and into downtown shops are two reasons Planning Commission and City Council members will meet next month to discuss the transportation element of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Following a public hearing regarding the draft plan at the Dec. 16 City Council meeting, it was decided there was enough uncertainty regarding specific aspects of the $34-million, 20-year plan to stage a work session between the council and commission before bringing the issue back for possible approval.

The plan outlines a number of projects aimed at improving traffic flow and the safety of pedestrians. Proposed projects slated to begin within the next six years include:

* Placing a signal at the intersection of Bendigo Boulevard and Park Street;

* Creation of a roundabout at the intersection of Cedar Falls Way and East North Bend Way;

* Eighth Street bridge replacement;

* Construction of a North Bend Park & Ride;

* Bendigo Boulevard and Interstate 90 off ramps (eastbound would receive a roundabout and westbound a signal or roundabout);

* Connecting Pickett Avenue to North Bend Way;

* Connecting Thrasher Avenue to North Bend Way.

Planning Commission members said one of the main concerns from the group was the safety and effectiveness of roundabouts – sometimes referred to as traffic circles – compared to traditional traffic signals.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the low absolute speeds associated with roundabouts allow drivers more time to react to potential conflict, resulting in a 37-percent reduction of crashes in the United States.

Commissioners said street bypasses could alleviate some of the city’s traffic problems and eliminate the need for certain proposed roundabouts, such as one at Park Street and North Bend Way.

Councilman Mark Sollitto, who heads the city’s transportation committee, said the city stands to save about $12,000 per year with roundabouts because they do not require the maintenance, such as changing bulbs, rewiring and reprogramming, of traffic signals.

Councilman Chris Garcia said he was concerned that the plan isn’t as business friendly as possible. Garcia said he’d like to see traffic diverted toward the downtown shopping area and encourage drivers through increased parking to help bolster downtown businesses.

Sollitto said the parking component wasn’t a priority because business owners who purchase property downtown know parking is limited. Sollitto said he was “baffled” by business owners who purchased property downtown then complained there wasn’t enough parking.

George Cook, chair of the Planning Commission, said his group set “growth, rural character and providing opportunities for business to succeed” as the standards by which the plan was devised.

Planning Commission members also said they would like to see other revisions, such as an Interstate 90 business loop.

The Planning Commission and City Council are expected to hold a joint study session in January.