TRPC seeks proposals for the Martin Way Crossing Strategy study

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The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is seeking proposals for a pedestrian crossing study of the Martin Way Corridor.

The study aims to enhance safety and mobility through strategic improvements like mid-block crossings, refuge islands, and ADA upgrades.

The TRPC allocated $400,000 for the Martin Way Crossing Strategy study to identify appropriate locations for mid-block crossings on Martin Way and further scope specific improvements necessary to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility. The strategy will result in preliminary designs (30%) for up to 10 priority crossings or other interventions along the corridor.

The selected consultant will work closely with TRPC and the steering committee to identify appropriate locations within the Martin Way corridor for additional crossings and define specific improvements needed to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility.

The three main tasks for the Martin Way Crossing Strategy project:

  • Crossing study:
    Review existing corridor data and partner efforts. Gather traffic, safety, connectivity, transit, and land use information. Work with partners to prioritize crossing locations and identify improvements. Produce a final report summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • Project concepts:
    Develop up to 10 preliminary (30%) design plans for crossings and interventions to enhance pedestrian safety, comfort, and access. Create high-level cost estimates for each design.
  • Support for partner coordination and community engagement:
    Assist TRPC with community outreach by presenting findings, conducting walk audits, supporting public meetings, creating visual materials, and developing surveys. Focus on engaging historically underserved communities along Martin Way, including low-income households, people of color, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans.

This project aims to improve pedestrian infrastructure along the Martin Way corridor through a comprehensive, community-driven approach. The process involves data analysis, design development, and extensive public engagement to ensure the final recommendations meet the community's diverse needs.

Proposals must be submitted by Sept. 27, and an electronic copy should be sent to Tyson Justis, TRPC HR and Finance Manager, at justisT@trpc.org.

Any questions concerning the RFP's specifications or process shall be directed in writing to Allison Osterberg, Planning Manager, at osterberga@trpc.org before September 27, 2024. Responses to questions and/or any changes to this RFP during the advertisement period will be posted on the TRPC website.

Comments

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  • MrCommonSense

    Another study. Thurston County, Olympia and Lacey planning and the city traffic engineers know where development has happened and will happen, where the pedestrian traffic exists now and where it will be in the future,m and where traffic congestion and future traffic issues will most likely occur. Both cities have experience in building additional crosswalks with pedestrian islands and appropriate warning lights and signals. Why aren't the city departments simply getting together to determine where these should be and spending the $400,000 on building them? Just wondering?

    Tuesday, September 24 Report this

  • Southsoundguy

    I’d rather go back to how it was in the 30s.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • Porter

    I agree with MrCommonSense, $400,000 for a study?! The county should have all the info needed to determine where road crossings should be. I want my money back.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • HappyOlympian

    It would help if pedestrians used what is there. A majority jaywalk with crosswalks nearby; watched a gal use her walker to cross the street, holding up traffic, and the move at angle thru an adjacent intersection then stand in the street, ignoring 2 nearby crosswalks (one with lights) and not even using the sidewalk that had a ramp meant for her walker. Several cars had to wait while she negotiated all that. But, it saved her 5-10 seconds and that is what counts.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this

  • PissAnt

    That photo on the left looks like the Nisqually stretch with the bridge at the end.

    Wednesday, September 25 Report this