Port Angeles accepts $2.175 million WSDOT grant for traffic circles, curb ramps on Laurel, 6th and East Second

The Port Angeles City Council unanimously accepted a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant worth $2,175,000 to design and construct multiple traffic circles, curb ramps and crosswalk improvements along Laurel Street, 6th Street and East Second Street.

Public Works Director Curtin told council the grant covers design and construction costs at 100%, so no city match is required. The project includes multiple mini-roundabouts (traffic circles), curb-ramp upgrades and visibility enhancements at existing stop controls; staff said the locations were identified from the city's traffic safety plan and crash-data analysis and generally target intersections one block off main arterials to discourage cut-through traffic. Curtin said design work is slated for next year with construction following in 2027 because of current workloads.

Council members asked about prioritization, emergency access and other impacts. Curtin said the traffic safety plan and crash data inform priorities but staff also coordinates with other planned capital projects to avoid rework. He said the design process will consider fire and emergency apparatus access, snow-removal operations and other maintenance needs and that staff does not anticipate access or equipment conflicts. Councilmember Lindsey and others supported the approach, noting roundabouts can reduce reliance on signal infrastructure and improve safety when well-sited.

Councilmember Navarro moved to accept the grant and authorize the city manager to execute related documents; the motion passed unanimously. Council asked staff to post the traffic-safety plan and project materials online for public review and to return with more specific phasing and timing during design.