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Residents raise safety concerns at Coho Way–Sunset Drive intersection; council staff cite $300,000 estimate for permanent fix
Summary
Two residents met with the public works committee about visibility and crossing safety at the offset intersection of Coho Way and Sunset Drive; staff said interim flashing speed signs help but a permanent infrastructure solution could cost roughly $300,000 and will be a capital planning candidate.
Two neighbors raised safety concerns about the offset intersection of Coho Way and Sunset Drive during a public works committee update at the Anacortes City Council meeting Sept. 2. Councilmember Moulton reported the committee discussed options ranging from maintaining an existing flashing speed display to longer‑term capital work.
Why it matters: The intersection is adjacent to neighborhood access to Washington Park and has reduced sight lines at certain times of day, increasing pedestrian crossing risk. Committee discussion identifies possible near‑term and longer‑term responses and flags grant opportunities.
Councilmember Moulton said two people from the neighborhood attended the public works committee meeting to describe difficulty crossing at the offset intersection, reduced visibility for drivers coming down the hill and a particular problem at sunset hours. “A number that was thrown out was $300,000,” Moulton said when describing what a permanent infrastructure change might cost; she characterized the figure as a planning‑level estimate. In the short term the committee discussed keeping an existing solar‑powered speed sign that displays vehicle speed and flashes; staff noted its batteries require periodic replacement but the device has been effective as a stopgap.
Public works staff described any permanent solution as involving major infrastructure changes and therefore higher cost, and the committee discussed potential grant sources, including a carbon‑reduction grant the city used for recent Q Avenue crossing work. Moulton said the city will consider adding the project to the capital facilities plan and pursuing grants. The committee did not take formal action.
Next steps: Staff will continue to engage with the neighborhood, monitor the effectiveness of the temporary flashing device and consider grant applications and capital plan programming for any permanent intersection improvements.
