Local News

DOT Holding Public and Online Open Houses to Help Omak Area Transportation Study


Apr 24, 2019

The Washington State Department of Transportation has initiated this study to identify ways to improve safety and traffic operations on US 97 near Omak, Washington.

A Public Open House with the planners is set for Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Omak City Hall, 2 N. Ash St. beginning at 6:00 p.m. and running through 7:30 p.m. An Online Open House for those unable to attend the public event will be active through June. Both alternatives are bilingual and include project maps, pictures, details and an opportunity to subscribe to receive email updates.

The study area focuses on US 97 intersections from the 12 Tribes Casino to Sand Flat Road:

  • Sand Flat Road: Commercial/Residential development driven congestion.
  • Shumway Road: Commercial/Residential development driven congestion.
  • Engh Road: Congestion. Pedestrian traffic. Add a through lane to Omache Drive
  • Quince Street: No sidewalks. Fix left turns.
  • Dayton Street:  Pedestrian traffic-No sidewalks – Students to the elementary school-Adults to Tribal facilities and community center.
  • 12 Tribes Casino: Pedestrian traffic-No path or crossing.
  • Non Motorized study area: Lots of pedestrians and students but few pedestrian facilities-River crossings only on US 97 & SR 155 narrow bridge paths-No safe path from the rodeo grounds to the casino.

Needs & benefits

Why is WSDOT conducting this study?

This study has four objectives:

  • Reach consensus on what are the most pressing transportation needs.
  • Identify the most cost-effective ways to address those needs.
  • Create a plan to phase construction of the projects as funding becomes available.
  • Realize strong community support and buy in.

Timeline

The study began in December 2018 and is schedule to be complete in June 2019.  A kick-off meeting with 10 identified stakeholder agencies was held on January 24, 2019 to refine the scope of the project.  A workshop on March 4, 2019 followed where stakeholders narrowed the options deserving further analysis. That work has led to the Open Houses to get community input to make a final plan.

Funding

WSDOT has funded this study for $124,000 with State Transportation Funds.


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