31.05.140 Western Straits transportation issues and goals.
Clallam Bay-Sekiu has many unique transportation issues for a rural community stemming from land use, environmental conditions, geographic location, and historical economic development as a fish and lumber community. The following set of goals and policies outlines the priorities of the community to preserve and maintain State Highways SR 112 and SR 113, the life lines of the region, and to build a more attractive destination community. The Coastal Corridor Master Plan, a federal transportation plan emphasizing tourism and economic development, may not include communities on SR 112 with the same detailed planning objectives as SR 101. Therefore, the policies in the Straits sub-regional plan prepare the foundation to which federal funding may occur based on local objectives. Other general transportation issues should be referred to the County-wide goals and policies. The major issues in this Plan are regional highway preservation, access management, encouraging bicycle, pedestrian and bus travel, and developing streetscape design standards.
(1) Preserve and manage access to the regional transportation system.
(a) Encourage use of shared driveway access for commercial uses within the Clallam Bay-Sekiu urban growth area in order to maintain efficient traffic flow on SR112 and other urban roads.
(b) Improvements to Highway 112 between Clallam Bay and Sekiu shall include development of a pedestrian/bike pathway near the right-of-way to serve bicyclists and pedestrians.
Figure – Proposed Pedestrian/Bikeway Path Linking Clallam Bay and Sekiu
(c) Maintain the transportation corridor of SR 112 as an important primary route to the Straits communities and as a Coastal Corridor Route of cultural, scenic, and economic significance.
(d) Improve SR 112 highway maintenance to be consistent with WSDOT System Plan service standards. Preservation and maintenance of existing facilities should come before highway expansion.
(2) Develop rural design standards which enhance strong rural character and neighborhood identity.
(a) Design a uniform streetscape plan which defines the highway and plants trees along SR 112 within the Clallam Bay – Sekiu urban growth area. The plan should be implemented with new development or other State and federal funding sources.
(3) Plan for transportation improvements that emphasize the tourism potential of the community and region.
(a) Coordinate the inclusion of the Clallam Bay County roadside park in the WSDOT Rest Area Plan. Enhance the park’s visibility and services for travelers.
(b) Maintain road accessibility to the Marine Sanctuary and the Makah Indian Cultural Center in the peak tourist season.
(c) Plan for Clallam Bay-Sekiu street improvements that would include a public festival seating area and appropriate parking areas.
(d) Plan for a permanent marina at Sekiu. Relieve the impacts to the roads by allowing accessibility year-round.
(e) Examine the feasibility of developing a one-way loop through the community of Sekiu to allow for better traffic circulation, relieve traffic congestion and allow space for pedestrian amenities. Careful consideration of boat off-loading should be a major component of the study.
Figure – Amenity Possibilities and Improved Access in Sekiu
if a One-Way Loop were Developed
(f) Seek ISTEA transportation enhancement funds for landscaping, pedestrian/bicycle improvements and cultural and historic preservation.
(g) Examine the feasibility of developing a loop road connecting Neah Bay to LaPush which would increase access to marine shorelines.
(4) Encourage alternate modes of transportation other than the single occupant vehicle (SOV).
(a) Construct pedestrian facilities along SR 112 within the Clallam Bay-Sekiu UGA.
(b) Encourage the development of SR 112 transit facilities and programs such as bus shelters and bicycle storage units at bus stops.
(c) Develop parking lot standards that reduce the amount of required car spaces and encourage walking, bicycling and transit ridership. Encourage permeable surfaces for parking lots to reduce drainage runoff.