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Traffic study: County Highway X/Double X and Pine Street operating acceptably; roundabout would be safest but costly
Summary
A JT Engineering traffic analysis found the County Highway X/Double X and Pine Street intersection currently operates at an acceptable level of service, with westbound afternoon peak delays around 32 seconds; staff recommended minor sightline improvements and monitoring rather than immediate major changes.
County highway staff presented a preliminary traffic control evaluation for the intersection of County Highway X, Double X and Pine Street and recommended a measured, incremental response pending final crash data.
Consultant JT Engineering analyzed traffic volumes, crash history and control options. The intersection is presently configured as a two‑way stop where east–west traffic stops and north–south traffic is through movement. Staff said the highest average delay during the afternoon peak is on the westbound approach (about 32 seconds), producing occasional queuing. JT Engineering found the intersection does not meet traffic signal warrants.
Options considered included converting to an all‑way stop (staff said that can increase delay because it stops all approaches) and building a roundabout, which the consultant identified as the most efficient and safest control in a 20‑year lifecycle analysis. However, staff estimated a single‑lane roundabout would cost approximately $1.2–$1.5 million, while an all‑way stop and reconstruction option was cited at roughly $26,000. Staff also noted the site might be eligible for about $500,000 in state DOT safety funds, but the cost‑benefit formula would likely preclude funding a roundabout because the construction cost would exceed the program’s benefit ratio for that treatment.
The consultant reviewed 24 crashes in its initial dataset; staff said they will finalize crash counts before completing the report and will hold additional meetings with the consultant. The committee discussed nearby land use and access (gas station, restaurant, small office) and asked staff to evaluate sight‑line and right‑of‑way adjustments; staff’s near‑term recommendation is to clear a vision obstruction in the northwest corner and continue monitoring operations before pursuing more substantial changes.
