With traffic congestion rising, Thurston Regional Planning Council acts to implement new access and safety processes

Posted

The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) has adopted a new congestion management process (CMP) to address growing traffic pressures in Olympia, Tumwater, and nearby areas following significant population growth exceeding 200,000 in the urbanized region.

This decision, formalized on Friday, Nov. 1, signifies a comprehensive approach to monitoring, managing, and reducing congestion along key corridors and fulfilling TRPC’s mandate as a federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Thurston Transportation Management Area (TMA). 

Objectives and strategies for congestion relief 

The CMP outlines five core objectives, 15 performance measures, and 29 specific strategies to enhance regional congestion management. 

“The goal of this congestion management process is to provide accurate, up-to-date information on our system performance and offer strategic solutions for reducing congestion,” said Aidan Dixon, Associate Planner at TRPC, who presented the plan to the council. 

The primary objectives include: 

  • Increasing the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as transit, bicycling, and walking. 
  • Reducing congestion and improving travel time reliability for vehicles, transit, and freight. 
  • Reducing fatal and serious injuries on the CMP network. 
  • Extending the life of regional transportation infrastructure while minimizing costs. 
  • Enhancing access to jobs and community destinations. 

Annual monitoring and 5-Year updates 

The CMP mandates that TRPC produce an annual monitoring report, updating data on network performance, strategy effectiveness, and any necessary adjustments to congestion strategies.  

Additionally, the CMP will be updated every five years in line with TRPC’s Regional Transportation Plan to ensure that evolving transportation needs are addressed.  

Expanding the route network 

Following recommendations from the council’s October meeting, the plan has been expanded to include key roadways—SR 507, Old Highway 99, and Rainier Road—in the CMP route network. 

These routes, which connect rural areas to urban centers, are expected to experience significant traffic increases as the region grows. 

“Even though these roads may not currently see the same volume of traffic as other arterials, we must recognize the growth that is projected in these areas,” remarked Lacey City Councilmember Robin Vazquez, who serves as chair of the Thurston Regional Planning Council, during the discussion. 

The Transportation Policy Board (TPB) took action on October 9, 2024, recommending the Council adopt the CMP as outlined in the draft resolution. 

The recommendation was met with strong support, urging collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including local agencies, community members, and transportation planners. 

Collaboration with Transportation Policy Board 

Council members commended the collaborative approach taken by TRPC staff and the Transportation Policy Board (TPB) in developing the CMP. 

“The system is working as intended,” said Dixon. “We appreciate the TPB input and council input that shifted this direction a little bit. That’s why this table is important, to have everybody at it.” 

The council’s unanimous approval of the CMP allowed TRPC to implement congestion management measures immediately. 

The council emphasized that the plan’s systematic approach will prioritize sustainability, safety, and accessibility and supporting the long-term mobility throughout the Thurston region. 

Comments

4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • oldgar9

    I see expanding alternative modes of transportation being addressed, to me this is the optimal solution. I was in a van pool for over 11 years and feel education on van pools is very important to alleviate less use of V P's due to ignorance about this great opportunity as a large part of the solution, namely to get people out of their vehicles. Once in a van pool insurance cost, anxiety, and accidents can be reduced.

    Tuesday, November 5 Report this

  • JW

    Alternative modes of transport like bicycles is a feel-good talking point that will do little to nothing to alleviate actual congestion. Few people are realistically going to opt for it, so it should be at the absolute bottom of any feasible plan.

    Tuesday, November 5 Report this

  • KarenM

    Walking is the ORIGINAL form of transportation. So it is not the 'alternative' - it is basic primary mobility. Having safe walking means that everyone benefits including transit users and car drivers. Although there are certainly some drive-up businesses just about everyone has walking as part of their trips.

    Van pools and shared rides have many benefits that oldgar 9 has described here.

    We won't be able to afford to build our way out of congestion. Adding lanes has proven over and over to only buy a little time before the congestion starts again.

    Safety for all road users must be the primary consideration for all congestion management projects.

    Tuesday, November 5 Report this

  • Somney

    I have seriously been trying to figure out ways to use biking as an alternative. The problem is that the people who drive autos (mostly the trucks) drive too fast. Harrison, 4th, Martin, Pacific, Plum Capital, and Yelm Highway often has many aggressive drivers. with vehicles getting larger it would be nice to have a way to ride a bike to work and not have to use a car when it is just me when the weather is very nice.

    Friday, November 15 Report this