The 156th Avenue Southeast Safety Improvements project will improve safety and traffic flow, reduce neighborhood congestion and accommodate future traffic volume at four intersections.
Background
In 2019, the city engaged the Lake Hills community in a traffic study of 156th Avenue Southeast. Community input, traffic data, collision and intersection characteristics were considered in developing concepts to improve these intersections. The 156th Avenue Southeast Traffic Study evaluated the intersections at:
- Lake Hills Boulevard, near the Lake Hills Library and Shopping Center
- Southeast 16th Street, near the Lake Hills Greenbelt produce stand and Tillicum Middle School
- Five-legged intersection at Southeast 24th Street and Southeast 22nd Place.
Schedule
- 2023 (summer): Construction anticipated at Lake Hills Boulevard and Main Street locations
- 2020 to early 2023: Project in design. Once design is complete, and funding is available, the project would be built. Select tabs below for more details on each intersection.
- 2019: Traffic studies conducted
Funding
Project funding for design and construction is part of the 2016 voter-approved Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Reduction Levy, specifically funding for neighborhood congestion reduction improvements. Individual project costs are available within the tabs.
Outreach
Lake Hills Neighborhood Association presentation (June 2021)
156th Avenue SE at Lake Hills Boulevard
The 2019 Traffic Study Report recommends installing a traffic signal and maintaining the same number of lanes on each approach. It further recommends constructing pedestrian improvements including relocating the marked crosswalks on the north and west legs by removing the southbound right-turn island. Based on the recommendations, design work is underway for the following improvements:
- Remove all-way stop signs and install new traffic signal system
- Build new accessible curb ramps
- Replace surrounding curb, gutter and sidewalk as needed
- Install 5-foot bike lanes on both sides of 156th Avenue Southeast, north of the 156th Avenue Southeast & Lake Hills Boulevard intersection
- Grind, pave and stripe the roadway
Conceptual plan (draft) for intersection improvements
156th Avenue Southeast at Main Street
To minimize cost and maximize efficiency, improvements are being packaged with a maintenance project that will replace aging traffic signal equipment at 156th Avenue and Main Street. Early design work is underway. Project benefits include:
- Replace signal poles and foundation
- Add left turn signals with flashing yellow arrows on each approach; install new pedestrian push button poles as needed
- Build new accessible curb ramps; replace surrounding curb, gutter and sidewalk as needed
- Replace crosswalk and pavement markings
- Grind, pave and stripe the roadway
The design work for these two improvements projects is expected to be complete in early 2023 and construction is anticipated in summer 2023.
Cost estimate (combined) is $2.2 million.
156th Avenue SE at SE 16th Street
The 2019 Traffic Study Report recommends maintaining the all-way stop and constructing pedestrian and lighting improvements. It further recommends constructing the missing segment of sidewalk along the south side of SE 16th Street, west of 156th Avenue SE, and adding stamped pavement in advance of the crosswalks to enhance visibility. Status: Funding not yet available.
156th Avenue SE at SE 24th Street
The 2019 Traffic Study Report recommends maintaining the all-way stop, enhancing lighting, and adding or upgrading sidewalks at all intersection corners and constructing a marked crosswalk with a pedestrian beacon (rectangular rapid flashing beacon) just north of the intersection on 156th Avenue SE. Status: Funding not yet available.