Residents urge faster traffic-calming measures after pedestrian death at Cole and Stevenson

Several residents told the Enumclaw City Council on June 22 that traffic safety near the Cole and Stevenson intersection needs urgent attention after a January crash that commenters say left a local woman dead.

At the public-comment period a resident who identified themselves as a local frequenting the area asked for an update and for pedestrian funding, saying a person who was hit in January later died. The resident said staff had told them work might not take place until January and added: “We would still wish to have an update regarding how we're moving forward on the Stevenson Cole area...But, we also need to not have another person die.”

A longtime resident and Navy veteran urged stepped-up enforcement and infrastructure, saying drivers “zoom by” and urging lights, signs and speed enforcement: “Put in the lights, put in the signs 25 miles an hour, and take people's cars away and do something, please.” Nora Tackenboge, another resident, asked the city to consider low-cost warning flags or other interim measures “so that you can try and have eye contact with people” while larger projects are planned.

Council did not take an immediate action during the public-comment period. Public safety committee business noted elsewhere on the agenda includes plans for an education push around e-bikes and related enforcement; the police department reported block-camera improvements would be operational by mid-July. Residents emphasized missing ADA curb cuts and traffic-calming needs on nearby neighborhood streets (Rilla Lane, Melody Lane) and asked council to consider lower-cost, near-term steps while capital work and funding are scheduled.

The public-safety committee and staff will be the likely next points of contact for residents seeking status updates on specific projects and funding timelines.