December 2012
- The Legislature recently allocated $2 million to continue design work and right-of-way acquisition.
- The project was shelved in 2009 when the Legislature delayed its funding.
- There is no funding yet for construction.
Overview
We will improve the Sharpes Corner intersection in Anacortes to relieve congestion and improve safety. A value engineering study in 2007 looked at six design options to improve the Sharpes Corner and Miller/Gibralter intersections, and to improve pedestrian mobility. The study concluded that a modified roundabout would be the best solultion to reduce congestion and improve safety. The project was shelved in 2009 when the Legislature delayed its funding indefinitely.
WSDOT recently received $2 million in funding from the Legislature to verify that the roundabout is still the best solution and to continue design and right-of-way acquisition work.
We will also study options to modify the SR 20 intersection with Miller/Gibralter roads, and to improve pedestrian mobility near Sharpes Corner.
Why is WSDOT
improving the Sharpes Corner intersection?
SR 20 is the only direct land access to the city of Oak Harbor, the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and the rest of Whidbey Island. The SR 20 spur is the primary access to Anacortes and ferry service to the San Juan Islands and Vancouver, BC. As a consequence, the intersection of these two roadways is of significant regional importance.
On average, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the Sharpes Corner intersection every day creating heavy traffic congestion. Backups can be severe and increase the chance of collisions. Traffic turning west towards Whidbey Island often backs up beyond the turn lane, leaving vehicles stopped on the highway, increasing the chance of rear-end collisions.
The End Result
When construction is complete, the improved intersection will have better traffic flow and will reduce the frequency and severity of collisions.
We have heard from many of you that bike/pedestrian improvements are very important, and we are looking at ways to incorporate bike/pedestrian elements into our final design.
Project Benefits
- Safety: Improvements to these intersections will increase traffic flow and decrease rear-end collisions, making the roadway safer for drivers. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will increase safety and mobility in the area.
- Improve traffic flow: Drivers will see significant increases in roadway capacity and traffic flow. This means shorter drive times and less time sitting in traffic.
- Environment: We will make improvements to stormwater culverts and detention ponds where necessary to meet current WSDOT environmental standards.
What is the project timeline?
December 2012 - The Legislature allocated $2 million to verify that a modified roundabout is the best solution to improve safety and reduce congestion at the intersection. This money will verify the design shelved in 2009 and allow WSDOT to continue design and right-of-way acquisition work.
May 2009 - The 2009 legislative budget has delayed this project indefinitely. It will no longer go to construction in 2011. The project has been shelved, and design will resume when funding is again allocated to the project.
Sept. 25, 2008 - We hosted another open house in Anacortes to update the community on our design progress to date.
Feb. 25, 2008 - We held an open house in Oak Harbor to update the community on plans to build a roundabout at Sharpes Corner.
Jan. 31, 2008 - The Value Engineering team chooses a modified roundabout as the best choice to improve the intersection.
Jan. 2008 - We held a Value Engineering study to evaluate all the options and look for ways to improve on the recommended option.
Nov. 15, 2007 - We hosted an open house in Anacortes to showcase six design options.
2005 - The Legislature provided funding to improve the intersection as part of the 2005 Transportation Partnership Program.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications Bronlea Mishler
WSDOT Mt. Baker Headquarters
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5997
E-mail: mishleb@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Project Engineer Shane Spahr
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: (360) 757-5856
E-mail: spahrs@wsdot.wa.gov
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