Poulsbo City Council voted unanimously to approve a consultant contract and budget amendment to start planning pedestrian safety improvements along Fjord Drive and Lemolo Shore Drive.
City Engineer Andrzej Kasiniak presented a scope of work and budget to the city council for the plan on Wednesday, Sept. 11. In the presentation, Kasiniak outlined the needs and goals of the project.
The needs stem from the future project for a roundabout at Johnson Way, which will go out for bid later this month. The roundabout has the potential to increase vehicular traffic on Lemolo Shore and Fjord Drive, as it allows for an easier left turn onto Lemolo.
“We anticipate that some drivers will find it easier to make a left turn onto Lemolo Shore Drive and continue along to Fjord into downtown Poulsbo, instead of staying on SR305,” Kasiniak said.
The goals Kasiniak presented included a “road diet” which could include a reduction of speed in the area as well as the resizing of lanes to allow for a wider shoulder for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Mayor Erickson spoke to reporters prior to the meeting and noted that she would like to create a “pedestrian corridor,” making it safer for pedestrians to walk in those locations. One idea she discussed was creating fines similar to those in effect for roadway construction.
“I would like to see an increase in fines, similar to in work zones, for people that commit moving violations,” Erickson said.
Erickson also noted that she had already spoken with state legislators on how to make that work.
The city has hired Struck Environmental to assist in preparing the design work for the enhancements, specifically on Fjord between Hostmark and Johnson Way.
The work will be funded through Traffic Impact Fees, amounting to roughly $5,000, the design work will cost $4,950.
The design could be used to generate additional state funding for the project itself along with a partnership with Kitsap County to garner state transportation budget allocation.
“It’s really important that we do this,” Erickson said.
