One of the fastest-growing areas in Southeast King County is also experiencing ever-increasing traffic congestion, and the state wants to examine the best way to safely accommodate this rapid growth. Thanks to the addition of $300,000 in the House Transportation budget, various transportation improvement options for the State Route 516 corridor can now get a closer look.
Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) is one of several South King County legislators who requested the funding so that serious transportation flow issues plaguing SR 516, particularly near SR 167 in Kent, can begin to be addressed.
“For several hours each day, there is a major bottleneck where Willis Street and 167 meet,” Upthegrove said. “Anyone entering or leaving downtown Kent is familiar with this bottleneck, and the state needs to look at how to fix it in a way that addresses current and future transportation needs for the region.”
Transportation planners will have to take several factors into consideration when looking at ways to ease congestion in this area. The SR 516/SR 167 interchange includes two railroad lines, and the need for a pedestrian overpass. Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke says congestion caused by a train passing on the Union Pacific Railroad track can result in backups on the SR 167 off ramps into the northbound travel lanes.
“It’s very dangerous congestion,” Cooke said. “On behalf of the City of Kent, I want to express my appreciation to Rep. Upthegrove and the other legislators for recognizing the importance of SR 516 as a major route for vehicles, freight, transit and bicyclists. This funding is crucial to moving forward with a plan to address both safety and mobility.”
The House Transportation Budget, released Feb. 23, can be viewed online at http://leap.leg.wa.gov.
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