HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpeed Limit Reduction - Anderson Lake & Cape GeorgeSpeed Limit Reduction
Public Hearing
Anderson Lake Rd MP 0.00-2.77
Cape George Rd MP 0.23-1.91
June 1, 2026
Josh Thornton
Real Property Specialist
Jefferson County Public Works
1
1
Anderson Lake Road – Study Area
June 1, 2026
2
Existing Speed: 50 mph
Proposed Speed: 45 mph
Study limits:
MP 0.0 – MP 2.77
(Entire Road)
Functional Context:
Key access corridor between SR‑20 and SR‑19 serving residential and recreational uses.
2
Anderson Lake Road – Why Speed Review Was Conducted
June 1, 2026
3
Physical roadway characteristics and evolving recreational use prompted a review of potential safety concerns.
Key drivers for review:
• Significant horizontal curves that limit forward sight distance.
• Recreational traffic generators along the corridor:
Anderson Lake State Park
Tamanowas Rock Sanctuary
Evergreen Coho RV Park
• Increasing multimodal traffic due to Olympic Discovery Trail extension.
• Limited shoulder width.
3
Anderson Lake Road – Investigation Findings
June 1, 2026
4
Speed Study (MP 1.1):
85th Percentile: 51 MPH
Average Speed: 45 MPH
Enforceable Violations: 381 - 6.7%
Crash History (2015–2024):
24 crashes; 5 injury, 19 PDO
Crash rate approximately 12% above national rural average
High number of fixed‑object collisions and roadway departures
Roadway Constraints:
Narrow shoulders
Limited sight distance
Multiple long curves requiring lower operating speeds
4
Anderson Lake Road – Recommendation & Safety Benefits
June 1, 2026
5
Recommendation:
Reduction from 50 to 45 MPH for MP 0.00 to 2.77.
Benefits:
Aligns posted speed with actual average (45 MPH).
Reduction of roadway departure and fixed-object impacts.
Safer conditions for the increasing number of pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians.
5
Cape George Road – Study Area
June 1, 2026
6
Existing Speed: 50 mph
Proposed Speed: 40 mph
Study limits:
MP 0.23 – MP 1.91
Functional Context:
Rural collector serving mixed residential and recreational uses with high access density.
6
Cape George Road – Why Speed Review Was Conducted
June 1, 2026
7
Public requests triggered review.
Key community concerns:
• Frequency of reported narrowly avoided collision events.
• Recreational user presence from Larry Scott Trail and nearby equestrian trails.
• High driveway and intersection density.
• Horizontal curves and limited sight distance.
• Narrow / Limited shoulder areas and clear zone.
7
Cape George Road – Investigation Findings
June 1, 2026
8
Speed Study (MP 1.5):
85th Percentile: 52 MPH
Average Speed: 46 MPH
Enforceable Violations: 294 - 4.8%
Crash History (2015–2024):
9 crashes; 4 injury, 5 PDO
Clustered near horizonal curves
Frequent roadway departures and fixed‑object impacts
Roadway Constraints:
Narrow shoulders with limited recovery space
Sight distance limitations on horizonal curves
High driveway density creating frequent turning conflicts
8
Cape George Road – Recommendation & Safety Benefits
June 1, 2026
9
Recommendation:
Reduction from 50 to 40 MPH for MP 0.23 to 1.91.
Benefits:
Increases consistency with adjoining segment speeds and connecting roads.
Reduced risk of turning conflicts.
Improved safety margin for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.
9
Questions & Public Comment
June 1, 2026
10
10