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172nd Ave NE Corridor Improvements
Latest Updates:
Redmond has secured the required approvals for implementing the safety improvements on 172nd Avenue NE north of the city limits. The construction survey is scheduled to begin in mid-June, and the installation of the speed cushions will be the first step. Although the gate will be removed, barricades will be installed in place of the gate until construction is complete. Project postcards have been mailed to the adjacent neighborhood to notify households of the upcoming construction. Redmond and King County are in coordination throughout the construction process.
Project Overview
The City of Redmond works to improve connectivity and mobility of people throughout the City and provide safe, reliable infrastructure. The project to remove the gate from 172nd Avenue NE and install traffic calming features will allow faster access for emergency services, improve traffic circulation overall, and increase connectivity for residents while discouraging cut-through traffic, reducing traffic speeds, and improving the safety of all.
Removing the gate will allow increased connectivity for residents on both sides of the gate, and traffic calming measures will limit the amount of cut-through traffic and its speed. Based on data from a currently in-process traffic study, daily projected traffic volumes after the gate is opened are expected to be less than 3,800 vehicles per day in total for both directions combined by 2030. This volume aligns with other similarly sized connector streets in Redmond.
Project Purpose:
With the update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Redmond 2050, it is acknowledged that Redmond is experiencing unprecedented growth and will continue to do so. The City has prioritized improving connectivity and mobility of people throughout the City over the last decade. The project to remove the gate from 172nd Avenue NE and install traffic calming features will improve traffic circulation overall in North Redmond and increase connectivity for residents while discouraging cut-through traffic and speeding. The 172nd Ave NE Gate Opening Project addresses regional growth while encouraging safe driving speeds so people using all travel modes can get to where they need to go.
A 2006 corridor study of 172nd Ave NE indicated that without the extension of the street to 124th Ave NE, increased traffic would build along the NE 116th Street and Avondale Road NE. With the population growth in the North Redmond, English Hill, Woodinville, and Duvall areas, opening 172nd Ave NE can provide an alternative north-south pathway to Avondale as well as provide a more direct route to and from Clara Barton Elementary School.
The 2006 corridor study did not anticipate 172nd Ave NE to open before 2016. In 2006, Redmond’s population was 50,898. In 17 years, Redmond’s population increased over 38% to 70,490 in 2023, which does not include the daytime population of workers, which almost doubles the amount during commute times. Removing the gate will allow increased connectivity for residents on both sides of the gate, while the traffic calming measures will limit the amount of cut-through traffic and help maintain appropriate traffic speeds.
Project Benefits:
- Reduce response times for emergency services
- Reduce traffic speeds
- Discourage cut-through traffic
- Increase connectivity for residents
- Improve traffic circulation
CONSTRUCTION
The 172nd Ave NE Corridor Improvements – Phase 1 will install several traffic calming measures along the corridor from the location of the existing gate at 172nd Avenue NE and NE 124th Street northward. Phase 1 will be completed before the road is opened to traffic.
Phase 2 has been identified as intersection control improvements for the 162nd Place NE and NE 124th Street intersection. The schedule for design and construction of Phase 2 will be determined when funding has been identified and secured.
Construction – Phase 1: Summer 2024
Phase 1 Improvements Map
Phase 1 Improvements include:
- Traffic circles at 172nd Avenue NE/NE 124th Street and 172nd Avenue NE/NE 126th Place intersections with streetlights
- Two speed cushions between NE 125th Street and NE 126th Place
- Channelization features, such as signing and delineation markings, along the corridor that help encourage safe speeds
Construction – Phase 2: Schedule to be determined
162nd Place NE and NE 124th St Intersection Traffic Control Improvements – details to be determined when funding is secured
BACKGROUND
The City first examined this extension as part of the 1995 Comprehensive Plan and then proposed it as part of the 2004 Transportation Master Plan as an improvement to circulation, mobility, and access in the city street network. Following lobbying from residents in unincorporated King County, the city installed the gate. A new corridor study was completed, which recommended additional traffic calming measures. The gate has remained in place for over ten years. As the City built out the 172nd corridor, traffic calming features were installed, including curb bulb-outs, speed cushions, a roundabout, a traffic circle, an all-way stop, and a raised crosswalk. This project will implement additional traffic calming measures, including traffic circles and speed cushions, and remove the gate.
Project background:
- 172nd Avenue NE connection has been on the Comprehensive Plan since 1995.
- In the 2004 draft Transportation Master Plan, the extension of 172nd Avenue NE between NE 122nd Street and NE 124th Street was proposed as the North Redmond area continued to expand.
- King County residents filed an appeal of the City’s Determination of Non-Significance for the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in April 2005, which was found not to have merit.
- In 2006, the city held several open houses to look at the 172nd Avenue Corridor from NE 111th Street to NE 128th Street – with the focus being actions and improvements the city would take up to the NE 124th Street northern boundary. Potential improvements to 172nd Avenue beyond NE 124th Street would be addressed with King County through a future project.
- The city identified the need to provide traffic calming measures throughout the corridor and built out the area from NE 111th Street to 122nd Street with multiple speed cushions, a traffic circle, curb bulb-outs, a raised crosswalk, and a roundabout.
- Once the City proceeded to build out the corridor, residents in unincorporated King County lobbied the City Council to place a barrier at NE 124th Street and 172nd Avenue until a corridor study was completed.
- A barrier was put in and has remained for over ten years.
Previously Installed Traffic Calming Measures
The City of Redmond began installing traffic calming measures after previous rounds of feedback regarding the 172nd Ave. NE corridor. Traffic calming features already installed along 172nd Ave. NE include:
- narrowing the road south of the gate to 20 feet wide.
- Raised crosswalk, two speed cushions, and several curb extensions along 172nd Ave. NE between NE 116th St. and NE 122nd St., in the vicinity of Clara Barton Elementary.
- A roundabout at the intersection of 172nd Ave. NE and NE 116th St.
- A traffic circle, raised crosswalk, and two speed cushions on 172nd Ave. NE between NE 116th St. and NE 111th St.
- Four split speed humps and one speed cushion on NE 111th St. between 166th Ave. NE and 172nd Ave. NE.
- Four speed cushions and several curb extensions along NE 122nd St. between 172nd Ave. NE and NE 124th St.
FAQs
- 1. Why is the gate being removed?
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172nd Ave NE is a valuable connection for Redmond and King County. It will improve mobility and connectivity for Redmond residents and workers and improve overall traffic circulation in Redmond. The region has grown significantly in recent decades, and improving mobility and connectivity is a top priority for the City of Redmond.
- 2. What is the plan for the 172nd Avenue NE Gate?
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Traffic calming features will be installed before opening the road. These include:
- A traffic circle at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 124th Street
- A streetlight at the intersection of 172nd Ave NE and NE 124th St
- Intersection narrowing with traffic delineators at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 124th Street
- Corridor lane lines to separate vehicles and pedestrians
- A traffic circle at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 126th Place
- Two speed cushions between NE 125th Street and NE 126th Place
- Intersection narrowing with traffic delineators at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 126th Place
The gate will be removed to make space for the construction of traffic calming features, but temporary barriers will block the road until construction is complete.
- 3. What are the roles and responsibilities of Redmond and King County in this project?
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Redmond and King County will partner together throughout this project. Redmond is providing funding and staff time for the design and construction and covering this project's permitting costs. King County Department of Local Services is the permitting agency for the part of 172nd Avenue NE north of NE 124th Street.
- 4. What authority does the City have to make changes to these streets?
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The City of Redmond has the authority to make changes on city streets and can make improvements on King County roads with permission from the county. The gate is located on one of Redmond’s streets. The traffic calming features planned north of the gate are outside of Redmond city limits and will require King County permits.
- 5. How will pedestrians and bikers be kept safe both north and south of the gate?
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Lane lines and traffic delineators will be installed to help separate vehicles from pedestrians and cyclists north of the gate. Traffic calming features along the corridor are designed to reduce motor vehicle speeds. South of the gate, sidewalks will help separate pedestrians from vehicles, and north of the gate, the roadway is wide and has ample room for cyclists and pedestrians to use the shoulder outside the driving lanes.
- 6. What feedback have the Redmond Police and Fire Departments provided regarding the gate?
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They support the removal of the gate and agree that response times will be reduced with this connection.
- 7. What is the timing for installing traffic calming features?
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The City of Redmond and King County will work together to ensure that all the traffic calming features on the 172nd Avenue NE corridor, north of the gate, are installed before opening the gate in 2024. The timing for installing a traffic signal or roundabout at the intersection of 162nd Place NE and NE 124th Street is still being determined. Funding for traffic calming at that intersection is not yet available.
Public Outreach
Public Meeting on Nov. 8
The City of Redmond hosted an online public meeting regarding updates to the corridor plan for the 172nd Ave. NE gate project.
Public Meeting on July 19
The City of Redmond hosted a meeting to listen to concerns and answer questions on July 19 at Redmond City Hall and online via Microsoft Teams. John Taylor, King County Director of Local Services, Tricia Davis, King County Road Services Director, and Aaron Bert, Redmond Public Works Director, attended to answer questions at the meeting.
Council Study Session
Redmond City Council considered this topic at its regularly scheduled study session, 7 p.m., June 27, in Redmond City Hall Council Chambers. There is no public comment at study sessions.
Notes from Public Meetings
Two public meetings were held regarding this project. A hybrid in-person and virtual meeting was held on July 19 at City Hall, and an online meeting was held on Nov. 8 via Microsoft Teams. At each meeting, staff took notes of all questions asked, and feedback provided, and drafted the Q&A below to respond to every question asked.
Meeting Notes
- Why is the gate being opened?
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It’s a valuable connection for Redmond and King County alike and is a public roadway intended to be used by all.
- If the gate only costs a few minutes of travel time per driver, why is it important for it to be opened?
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Opening this connection provides travel options and improves overall system circulation.
- What is the plan for the 172nd Avenue NE Gate?
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Traffic calming features will be installed before opening the road. These include:
- A traffic circle at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 124th Street
- A streetlight at the intersection of 172nd Ave NE & NE 124th St
- Intersection narrowing with traffic delineators at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 124th Street
- Corridor lane lines to separate vehicles and pedestrians
- A traffic circle at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 126th Place
- Two speed cushions between NE 125th Street and NE 126th Place
- Intersection narrowing with traffic delineators at the intersection of 172nd Avenue NE and NE 126th Place
The original three-phase plan to install traffic calming features and open the gate has been condensed. All traffic calming features of phases one and two will be installed prior to opening the road. The gate will be removed to make space for the construction of traffic calming features, but temporary barriers will block the road until construction is complete.
- Why aren’t all the traffic calming measures being built before opening the road?
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King County and Redmond have agreed to install all the traffic-calming features before opening the gate. The timing for installing the traffic signal at the intersection of 162nd Place NE and NE 124th Street is still being determined. Funding for the traffic signal is not yet available.
- Why is there a focus on traffic calming on this road?
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The City of Redmond is continually working to implement traffic calming across the City. This project is a priority because it will be a new connection, and the City wants to minimize cut-through traffic and reduce speeding.
- How can increased volumes of traffic use such a narrow road, and how can large trucks navigate the narrow roads? Isn’t the road too narrow to open the gate?
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No, the roadway is designed to be narrow. The narrow roadway is a traffic-calming feature designed to keep speeds down, and it is wide enough to accommodate all types of vehicles.
- How will this project affect traffic volumes on other routes?
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It is expected to reduce volumes on NE 116th Street and 162nd Place NE through volume redistribution.
- How will King County be involved in completing the plan?
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King County will coordinate with Redmond on design and installation throughout the project.
- How will pedestrians and bikers be kept safe both north and south of the gate?
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Lane lines and traffic delineators will be installed to help separate vehicles from pedestrians and cyclists north of the gate. Traffic calming features along the corridor are designed to reduce speeds for motor vehicles. South of the gate, sidewalks will help separate pedestrians from vehicles, and north of the gate, the roadway is wide and has ample room for cyclists and pedestrians to use the shoulder outside the driving lanes.
- How will traffic laws be enforced in this area?
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Once the roadway is opened, the City will request that Redmond Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office frequent the area. City staff will also observe the driving behaviors and conduct several traffic speed and volume studies over the next few years. If you witness dangerous or illegal behavior, please report it to law enforcement. Call 425-556-2500 to report non-emergencies to Redmond Police. During an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Is the traffic circle planned at the intersection of 172nd Ave. NE and NE 124th St. non-compliant with applicable standards? Do WSDOT standards apply?
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No, the traffic circle will comply with all applicable standards appropriate to the roadway. These circles were designed with elements of City of Redmond Standard Traffic Circle Detail, WSDOT Curb 1 Roundabout Truck Apron (F-10.18-03), and King County Sign and Post Details. These standards are used on comparable residential roads. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) standards typically apply to larger, higher-speed, higher-traffic roadways.
- Will emergency vehicles be able to navigate the traffic circle?
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There will be a traffic apron to allow large vehicles to drive over when needed. The design has been discussed with the Redmond Fire Department, and they have no concerns with the design.
- Are traffic circles effective? I heard that Perteet, a consultant, said they are not effective.
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We have also heard this rumor that Perteet said that traffic circles are ineffective and we have no idea where the rumor originated. Perteet is designing the current traffic circles because they are a proven traffic calming measure. All traffic circles and roundabouts are rotary-style traffic control measures. When properly implemented, they force drivers to make steering inputs, change the direction and speed of travel, and focus on the road. Traffic circles also reduce the likelihood of T-bone accidents, which have a high risk of major injury.
- I heard that the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration said traffic circles are considered inappropriate along a primary emergency vehicle route.
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172nd Ave NE is not considered a primary emergency vehicle route. The design of this traffic circle is fully mountable, meaning it allows emergency vehicles to travel over the traffic circle with minimal delay, if any.
- Is the traffic circle at the intersection of 172nd Ave. NE and NE 112th St. an example of the kind of traffic circle you want to install at the intersection of 172nd Ave. NE and NE 124th St.?
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No, the existing traffic circle at NE 112th St. is not a comparable example. It does not provide sufficient deflection due to the presence of a bike lane, and it is too small for the overall intersection width. The new traffic circles we are installing will have dimensions based on intersection width. We will also have posts to delineate traffic. The city is making plans to correct existing ineffective traffic circles around the city.
- Will the curbing at the intersection of 172nd Ave. NE and 124th St. NE be made of concrete or plastic?
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The curbing will be made of plastic and bolted into the ground
- The plans say that speed cushions will reduce speed by 5-13 mph. Do speed cushions reduce speeds?
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Speed cushions have been extensively studied and have been shown to reduce speeds. The Federal Highway Administration’s Traffic Calming e-Primer states that vehicles can traverse speed cushions at speeds of 20-25mph. Depending on the speed of the approach, this could result in speed reductions of 5-13mph. The 172nd Ave NE speed study conducted in March of 2023 showed the 85th percentile speed ranging from 29.1 to 33.1mph. Given these numbers, we can expect the speeds of vehicles on 172nd Ave NE to be reduced by 4-13mph at the speed cushions.
- Isn’t 172nd Ave. NE is too narrow between 124th and 122nd for large vehicles to travel in both directions? What are you adding south of the gate to keep people safe?
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This section of the road has ten-foot lanes in each direction. West Lake Sammamish Parkway is also ten feet wide in each direction, and traffic travels in both directions without incident. Narrow roads also encourage lower speeds. Channelization and a center line will be installed on the south side of the gate as part of construction.
- Does the section of road with 10-foot lanes between NE 124th St. and NE 122nd St. include a bicycle lane?
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No, there is no bike lane on this section of road.
- What is the proposed date for the gate to be open?
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The plan is to begin construction in Spring of 2024, but there is no certain end date. We estimate a construction phase of three months. Due to many variables, a specific completion date cannot be provided. Construction is weather and contractor-dependent.