As a matter of public safety, we must come together and pay for the construction of a pedestrian overpass at the Stevens Pass summit area.
I realize that state Department of Transportation funds are stretched thin. Nevertheless, investment in important safety infrastructure can pay untold dividends in the prevention of loss of life and in reducing liabilities. This construction project, located in a confluence of government jurisdictions, is a perfect opportunity for intergovernmental partnerships.
Who are these stakeholders? They include but need not be limited to the following:
1. King and Chelan counties: The county line is at milepost 64.64 on U.S. 2 and runs right through the ski rental lodge building.
2. The state Department of Transportation.
3. The U.S. Forest Service: The ski area is in the Mount Baker National Forest and the overpass could easily be constructed for safe crossing on the Pacific Crest Trail.
4. The U.S. Department of Transportation.
5. The Harbor Resorts/Schweitzer Corp., which operates the ski area.
Every year when I go skiing at Stevens Pass, I am amazed at the number of pedestrians crossing back and forth across the highway to and from the ski area and the west parking area. Without the protections of a crosswalk or signals, children often seem like they’re playing “Frogger” as they cross.
Although the speed limit is posted at 35 mph, a majority of traffic passes through the area at speeds exceeding 45 mph with a few over 65 mph. Many pedestrians tire of waiting several minutes for traffic to clear in both directions and they start to cross when the near-side traffic is clear. These “frogs” often take safe harbor at the double yellow centerline and stand there waiting for a break in traffic on the far side so they can continue.
While signals and a crosswalk remain an option, a pedestrian overpass is the panacea to prevent any future tragedies. If the state DOT chose to merely install signals, the button-actuated signal cycle would still take several minutes and try the patience of these would-be “froggers.” While many may not sympathize with those who will not wait, please remember that we are talking about children in most cases. If an overpass were installed, few pedestrians would ever cross the highway without using it.
Stevens Pass is about 4,000 feet in elevation and despite the efforts of a world-class DOT snow plow team, it offers some very challenging driving conditions. A study of reportable collisions in this area (between mileposts 64 and 65) for a 10-year period ending in 2003 reveals 103 collisions involving 52 injuries and no fatalities.
If no one has died in this hazard area, then why is the cost of this project warranted? I fear that with the increasing traffic and the record-setting crowds the ski area draws to the summit, it is just a matter of time until someone is killed. Additionally, if all stakeholders are willing to accept part of the burden, this can be a cost-effective investment.
In Arlington, the city agreed to apply all of the new high school’s mitigation funds to the construction of a pedestrian overpass over Highway 9. The project was originally estimated to cost around $850,000, but increased to more than $1.3 million when we were required to extend the overpass across a wetland area. The construction may begin as early as this fall and will span a length equivalent to a four- to five-lane roadway, which is comparable to what will be needed at the summit.
This is a lot of money but if this burden were divided in a just manner between these stakeholders it would be a small premium to pay in order to save lives – and very small compared with any future litigation.
Dan Anderson is a member of the Arlington City Council.
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