Advisory committee asks staff to study left-turn redesign at Deets–Chartwell after prior council review

Committee members on May 6 directed staff to evaluate a left-turn lane redesign at the Deets–Chartwell intersection and to assess converting an existing right-turn-only lane into a through lane as part of design review for the upcoming Deets Elorn reconstruction.

Staff reminded the committee that the Chartwell realignment and proposed four-way stop were discussed at a July 21, 2022 city council meeting and that alternatives were presented in August 2022. Staff’s recommendation in the packet was to take no action now and to revisit the intersection after reconstruction of Deets Elorn; however, several committee members said design review now could identify feasible changes that avoid later rework.

Grant and other staff confirmed reconstruction plans will widen lanes and add five-foot paved shoulders and that construction of Deets Elorn is expected to begin in early 2027. The committee asked staff to consult with the design engineers about whether striping or lane reconfiguration (including a dedicated left-turn lane and eliminating the right-turn-only lane) could be implemented with the reconstruction or earlier if feasible.

A motion to recommend that city staff evaluate redesigning the left-turn lane from Deets to Chartwell and converting the right-turn-only lane into a through lane passed; staff will report back as the construction documents are prepared.

The committee did not adopt an immediate four-way stop, pedestrian-actuated beacon, or other alternative at this meeting; staff emphasized that prior council direction and school, police and parent input from 2022 had shaped earlier decisions. The committee asked staff to continue coordination with the school district, police and the design consultant during the design phase.

The committee’s recommendation will be presented to council if council action is required during later stages of design or construction.