BEST WAY TO SOLVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON SR162:
ALTERNATE CORRIDORS
NEW CORRIDOR STUDY UPDATE HERE
WSDOT PUBLIC COMMENT OPEN HOUSE
Visit engage.wsdot.wa.gov to make public comments on what they call the "South Pierce County Miltimodal Connectivity Study. This is the study that considers the need for an additional east west transportation corridor connecting SR162 with I-5 across the South Hill plateau. This is to relieve congestion on SR512 and the east west travels on South Hill from major developments (Tehaleh, Sunrise, and many new ones) in Southeast Pierce County. Comment period is December 1-16, 2022.
WSDOT / PIERCE COUNTY STUDY NEW EAST/WEST CORRIDOR
This new study led by WSDOT will evaluate the feasibility of creating a new transportation corridor that parallels SR512. This new corridor will be south of SR512 to meet the demands of the rapid growth of east Pierce County. The new corridor will connect to SR162 (which connects to the Bonney Lake plateau and the Tehaleh development) to Interstate 5.
IT'S A NEW APPROACH TO SOLVING REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
This is a first and a large step in transportation agencies coming together to create an integrated and interdependant transporation network. WSDOT is the lead agency and will be working with Pierce County and city jurisdictions to address the creation of a new east/west transportation corridor in Pierce County. We think that it should also include the PSRTC (Puget Sound Regional Transportation Council) where many of our tax dollars are going.
COUNTY IMPROVEMENTS TO 122 Ave E
This north south arterial corridor connects to Shaw and Military Roads at its northest point and currently ends at 175th St E. It has been extended south into new developments making it desirable to extending it through to 200th St E. Improvements to this corridor would remove much of the traffic on SR162 that have destination south east of Orting.
THE GREATEST NEED - EXTENDING THE TEHALEH HIGHWAY WEST
The largest pupulation increases are east and south of the study area. Tehaleh population alone will be over 30,000 residents and has restricted east/west movement to I-5. East/west movement from the Tehaleh/Bonney Lake/Enumclaw areas is now restricted to SR410 and SR512.
The new highway from Tehaleh west (projected in 2025) will end at the overcrowded SR162 corridor at 128th St E. The load added to SR162 will be devistating unless an extension corridor is provided. This new highway needs to be extended onto South Hill for east/west travel from Tehaleh and a connection to any proposed alternate corridor to Interstate 5.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Tehaleh, Bonney Lake, Enemclaw, and even Orting communities lack an effective public transporatation system that links these areas to the Sounder rail service, retail centers, and medical centers. By extending 128th St E onto South Hill, it opens up additional public transportation opportunities linking both the Bonney Lake and South Hill communities to these services, THUS reducing the number of vehicles on our roadways.
YOUR ROLE IF YOU CHOOSE TO HELP
Keep yourself informed by this website and see our "Please Help" page for ways to connect with city, county, and state agencies to provide them your feedback on transportation issues. Periodically, we request email participation on issues and could use your support then.
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