The initial response to the news of a new traffic signal being installed in Silverdale usually sounds something like, “Ugh, not another one.”
The main thoroughfare of Silverdale Way is indeed lined with several stoplights and if you don’t hit ’em right, you may find yourself sitting at each and every one. Sometimes the saying, “You hit one, you hit them all” is not very far from the truth when driving through Silverdale. On occasion, however, you can catch a lucky green-light streak.
Drivers will soon have another light added to the mix, but before the “Ughs” commence, there is good reason to have this new signal installed.
Work just started on the new traffic and pedestrian signal at the intersection of Silverdale Way and Anderson Hill Road. The preliminary work has started and because Kitsap County Public Works assures most of the construction is taking place outside of the roadway, they have said there will be minimal delays through September. After the preliminary work is completed, there will be a short break until August when the traffic light poles arrive.
Any driver who has ever tried to turn left from Anderson Hill Road onto north Silverdale Way knows they are often taking their lives into their own hands in trying to cross traffic. And if it’s rush hour, it’s nearly impossible. It’s hard enough crossing into oncoming traffic, but then trying to merge into traffic going north on Silverdale Way can often take a miracle or a courteous driver to let you in — the two are often synonymous.
It may be one more stoplight to get through on Silverdale Way, but it’s only a few minutes and it’s worth the wait. Not only will it benefit drivers taking that left into traffic, but also those who are often cut off by those same drivers darting in front of them.
The proximity of Linder Field and the busy intersection also comes into play. Especially in the warmer months, kids will often use the current crosswalk to get to the gas station or any of the other stores across the street. There is no traffic light stopping cars when pedestrians are in the crosswalk, only a flashing sign. It is up to the drivers to pay attention to people who may be crossing and it’s not always guaranteed they’ll stop.
Instead of complaining about the extra few minutes, think back to the times a driver cut you off at the intersection or the time you waited 15 minutes to finally catch a break in traffic to get across. And if you haven’t experienced either, count yourself lucky, because with a new traffic light, you never will.
