Roark explained that the decision followed meetings with local stakeholders.
“We heard that 101 is a vital connection in the community and the changes need to be carefully considered. We’ve heard that there’s expected growth and that will generate new traffic patterns, and we heard that freight is very important and any roundabout design we consider should take trucks into account. This is what led our team to adjust,” Roark told commissioners.
Initial proposals included roundabouts at Boyce and Taylor Cutoff roads on Highway 101, but these have been revised to focus on higher-demand locations, including Mill Road and Taylor Cutoff Road. Improvements at Joslin and Boyce roads are now long-term priorities.
In Port Angeles, extending the Morse Creek median has been moved to a near-term project. The DOT plans to gather more public feedback before an online open house, tentatively scheduled for the week of July 8.
Overall Highway 101 proposed improvements between Port Angeles and Sequim include up to four roundabouts, new pedestrian crossings, ramp upgrades, traffic cameras, and transit stop improvements.
