Project Abstract
The purpose of this project was to improve multiple modes of transportation on US-2 through the community of Leavenworth.
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Finished Sidewalk and Bus Shelter
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Purpose & Need
The purpose of this project was to improve multiple modes of transportation on US-2 through the community of Leavenworth. This city relies heavily on the tourist industry and regularly hosts events that draw large groups of people. The wintertime events, such as the Christmas lighting festival, required a large number of people to walk along the highway through melted snow puddles in areas where delineation from the adjacent highway is obscured and sidewalks are limited.
The highway has minimal illumination. Tourists walk from hotels to the business district and could benefit from additional lighting along the roadway.
Context
This project is rural in nature with adjacent recreational and business land use. Residential areas back the business land use on one side, and the Wenatchee River is located on the other. Hotels are present in this tourist destination in relatively high numbers. The town has a Bavarian theme, and structures and amenities adheree to this type of development. The speed limit at the entrance of the city is 50 mph and it is lowered to 30 mph. The area is environmentally sensitive throughout, and surrounded by national forest, the Wenatchee River, and creeks. Pedestrian facilities are provided along the corridor in the town core, although limited elsewhere. Pedestrian volumes can be very high during the winter and summer tourist seasons.
Initial Design Concept
To relieve congestion and increase capacity and safety for
pedestrian and vehicular traffic, this project will reconstruct the
existing roadway to include concrete curbing, gutters, sidewalks,
storm drainage, illumination, bike lanes, transit bus stops, turn
pockets, and landscaping. A park-and-ride lot and bus pullouts
will be included to enhance the ability of pedestrians to access
the business center.
Funding
Washington State Department of Transportations (WSDOTs)
budget for this project was about $75,000. The city of
Leavenworths budget from local, federal and the Transportation
Improvement Board (TIB) was about $1.8 million. The overall
project budget was about $1.9 million.
Challenges
- Business access during
construction
- Approach grades
- Location of luminaries
- Unanticipated rocks and boulders
in the excavation site
Solutions
- Public participation
- Work with contractor and business
owners to lessen traffic impact
- Place luminaries based on
negotiations with business owners
- Setting up special provisions in the
contract to address rock excavation
Further Reading:
US-2 Leavenworth case study
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