WSDOT Robert E. JonesRE: City of Yelm – Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community DEIS
Thank you for allowing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community Draft
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). We recognize the substantial investment of time, energy, and resources that this document represents, and we appreciate the opportunity to comment.
WSDOT comments are as follows:
Page 1-21: Table 1.4-1 – Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures:
The proposed mitigation measures notes a “proposed” signalized at-grade crossing of SR 507 and the Yelm-Tenino Trail. Please note that WSDOT has not concluded that an at-grade crossing
is feasible therefore this cannot be noted as a “mitigation measure.” WSDOT requests a Feasibility Study be prepared. The study must account for non-motorized impacts to SR 510, highway
traffic operations, and address the close proximity of the at-grade signal at SR 507/SR 510.
The above comments also apply to Page 3.17-38 – Paragraph 3.17.6.7 – Nonmotorized Transportation Impacts.
Page 3.17-3, Y3, SR 510 North Loop:
Please note that the Yelm North Loop (Y3) is not currently funded for construction. Also, right-of-way purchase is expected to continue through 2011.
Page 3.17-37: Table 3.17.6-7 – Arterial Capacity Threshold Analysis:
The signalized intersection average LOS and seconds of delay within the City of Yelm appears to be too optimistic (Table 3.17.3-2). An explanation for this discrepancy may be the capacity
thresholds shown in Table 3.17.6-7 on page 3.17-37. Based on our previous analysis 880 vphpl appears to high for this location. WSDOT requests the opportunity to review and comment
on the Synchro assumptions and traffic counts.
Page 3.17-45 and 3.17-46: Table 3.17.7-1 and 3.17.7.2 – Mitigations:
The City of Yelm is to be commended for identifying developer funded improvements and proportionate-share cost amounts for both the local and regional roadway system improvements. However,
WSDOT has a concern that needed improvements may not be constructed if these state and local projects are not funded within the 6-year time period. Please be advised that unless WSDOT
has a planned and programmed project, we would be unable to collect pro-rata share. But WSDOT would be supportive if the City and/or County were to collect for these projects.
WSDOT supports the proposal to construct a park-and-ride lot as mitigation for this development.
Other comments:
WSDOT desires to keep intersection improvements to a minimum. That is, some intersections have improvements proposed in both phase 1 and phase 2. If at all possible, WSDOT prefers
to see intersections improved in one construction project.
Should the Yelm Loop not be constructed prior to phase 2 of this development, as described in the DEIS, one option worth considering is having the proponent build the western-most length
of the Yelm Loop Project from SR 510 to Killion Road.
Any proposed new traffic signal must meet signal warrants and will require a WSDOT approved signal permit.
WSDOT requests to be actively involved in the development agreement that the City of Yelm will prepare with this development.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed DEIS for Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community. If you have any questions related to this letter, please
contact Dale Severson of my office at (360)357-2736.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Jones
Transportation Planning Manager
WSDOT, Olympic Region