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Traffic study finds Highway X/Double X intersection operating acceptably; recommends incremental fixes and monitoring
Summary
A JT Engineering analysis presented to the Infrastructure Committee found the intersection currently operates at an acceptable level of service, noted a roughly 32-second average delay on a peak approach, and recommended sight-line work and monitoring rather than immediate major reconstruction.
County staff presented a preliminary traffic analysis of the County Highway X and Double X (Pine Street) intersection March 13, reporting that the site is currently operating at an acceptable level of service but shows peak-period delays and crash history that merit monitoring and small-scale fixes.
The intersection is currently controlled with a two-way stop: north–south traffic moves through while east–west traffic stops. Staff said the westbound approach from Highway X carries the highest single-leg volume and that the westbound east-leg approach experiences the highest average delay during the afternoon peak — roughly 32 seconds on average — producing some queuing and backups.
JT Engineering’s preliminary findings, presented by highways staff, include: an all-way stop would increase total delay because through north–south traffic would be stopped; a single-lane roundabout would provide the lowest delay and the best safety performance over a 20-year life cycle but would have an estimated construction cost of about $1.2 million to $1.5 million; and the intersection does not meet traffic-signal warrants. Staff also said the site could be eligible for roughly $500,000 in state DOT safety funds for lower-cost safety improvements but that cost–benefit metrics limit eligibility for a roundabout. The engineering recommendation at this stage is to clear a northwest-corner sight-line obstruction (by acquiring or securing right of way and removing the obstruction) and monitor crash and delay trends before pursuing stop-control changes or roundabout construction.
Committee members asked about adjacent businesses and access points; staff said recent development moved access points away from the intersection and that some right of way has already been reserved near the gas station to provide space for potential future improvements. Staff said the analysis is preliminary: engineers are finalizing crash counts (24 crashes were examined in the draft) and county staff planned additional meetings with JT Engineering to finalize the report.
No committee motion was taken; staff will finalize the report, pursue targeted sight-line improvements if warranted, pursue appropriate DOT safety funds for eligible work, and continue to monitor.
