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Lake Forest Park council reviews mobility program, traffic-calming progress and SR 522 safety study
Summary
Council members reviewed progress on a mobility infrastructure program that includes expanded traffic cameras, planned sidewalks and crosswalks, and ongoing coordination with WSDOT on safety improvements along SR 522.
Lake Forest Park council members and staff updated one another Thursday on steps taken toward a mobility infrastructure program that the city says will consider safety, fiscal impacts and equity.
The city reported that a traffic camera program and targeted traffic-calming measures are in place and that initial data show lower speeds in some neighborhoods. Staff said a study on sidewalks, crosswalks and additional cameras is expected to guide future projects and financing decisions.
The program was described as being informed by a recent traffic study that collected vehicle and pedestrian volumes after schools resumed in the fall. Council members discussed tying the program’s priorities to a decision matrix that would rank candidate streets for sidewalks, speed cameras and overlays based on right-of-way and safety need.
Director Perrigo and others said the traffic camera program has produced measurable changes in at least one neighborhood: Brookside speeds were cited as declining from “over 31 miles per hour” to about 23.2 miles per hour after interventions. Staff noted it will take additional time to fully understand program revenues and long-term fiscal impacts.
Council members also discussed State Route 522, where the council has sought lower speed limits and other safety improvements. Staff reported a partial speed reduction has already been implemented on a short section but that Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will not lower additional segments unless tied to a transit project. Council members pressed staff on whether signal timing at intersections such as 153rd and 165th could be adjusted earlier and were told WSDOT currently uses an algorithmic timing system that is not real-time but does adjust based on past data. Council members said they will continue to press WSDOT about more modern timing and complete-streets funding.
Councilmembers suggested creating a clear matrix that weights mobility, safety and equity so that council priorities can guide transport and capital projects and so staff can present a prioritized list at an upcoming meeting or the retreat.
Quotations in the meeting were limited to council discussion and staff briefings. Staff said additional modeling and a completed study will be brought back to council for prioritization and budget planning; no formal votes were taken on project approvals during the session.
