Sequim council moves to schedule public hearing on $1.2M traffic‑signal upgrades

The Sequim City Council voted Jan. 27 to direct staff to schedule a public hearing on a planned $1.2 million upgrade of traffic‑signal infrastructure on Sequim Avenue and at 3rd and 5th streets.

Nick Dosti, the city engineer, said the project is designed to modernize signal cabinets, add hardware capacity for additional signal heads (including a left‑turn head at 5th), and upgrade pedestrian crossing signals to meet current ADA standards. "These projects were defined and scoped into new documents, our local road safety plan and our safety action plan," Dosti said, adding that the project would position Sequim to apply for state Transportation Improvement Program funding.

Dosti said the work is intended to pair with ongoing signal synchronization efforts, and that upgraded cabinets and hardware will allow the city to add dedicated left‑turn phases and adjust timing for distinct morning, afternoon and evening traffic flows. The initial scope focuses on Sequim Ave and the 3rd and 5th signalized intersections, with smaller pedestrian improvements at other locations.

A council motion to direct staff to schedule the required public hearing was moved, seconded and approved with no recorded opposition. Staff said a public hearing will follow standard notice procedures and that the city’s safety action plan will return to council for formal adoption.

The project team said the work will also make Sequim eligible for federal and state safety and improvement grants similar to recent work in neighboring jurisdictions.