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Commission hears transportation element emphasizing multimodal levels of service, safety and crossings
Summary
Staff presented a draft transportation element that shifts toward multimodal, people‑oriented levels of service; commissioners and residents raised concerns about crosswalk placement, Broadway intersection markings and project prioritization for the town’s six‑year plan.
Planning staff presented Coupeville’s draft transportation element on Jan. 21, recommending a shift from vehicle‑centric levels of service to multimodal, people‑centered measures such as transit access, active‑mode comfort and a level‑of‑stress metric for pedestrians and cyclists.
The consultant‑informed draft retains conventional road classifications (arterials, collectors, local streets) but adds multimodal metrics to better assess walking, biking and transit comfort. Staff said that collectors should consider separated paths or paved multi‑use facilities where appropriate, while local streets might rely on wide shoulders or low speeds to achieve acceptable comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.
Residents and commissioners identified several specific safety and design issues. Multiple speakers noted that some mid‑town crossings (for example by Sunshine Drive and by the hospital) are poorly sited or lack visibility; one resident said the Sunshine Drive crossing is "below the hill, so no one can see you." Commissioners also pointed to an intersection near Broadway where lane markings and turn arrows are unclear and vehicles frequently attempt conflicting turns; staff suggested a center median and clearer markings as potential remedies.
Discussion also covered the town’s project list versus the six‑year street plan used to qualify projects for state funding. Staff said the comprehensive plan’s long‑term project list is broader than the annual six‑year plan maintained by public works and that not every long‑term project will be immediately eligible for grant funding unless added to the six‑year plan.
Staff noted coordination is needed among town public works, Island County, the Washington State Department of Transportation and federal landowners — particularly where crossings would connect to National Park Service‑owned parcels or cross Highway 20. Island Transit’s seasonal shuttle was also discussed; staff said Island Transit had cut the seasonal shuttle service in 2024 and the town does not currently provide financial support, though a council member sits on an Island Transit executive body and provides advocacy.
The commission did not adopt the element at the meeting; staff will incorporate feedback on crossing locations, project priorities and sidewalk/landscape maintenance and return with revised materials.
