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| Region: Northwest | Legislative District: 42 | Length: 0.28 mi. | FY 2022 Urban Arterial Program (UAP) |
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Existing ConditionsThis project provides the main entry to the manufacturing district in Blaine from State Route 543, being the first intersection after the Interstate 5 exit off the truck route in route to the Pacific Highway border crossing. It is also the I-5 exit, Exit 275, that serves access to the Blaine School District campus, International Market Place, Post Office, the Industrial Area (16 companies), the primary truck stop/fueling station/scales, and the Blaine Public Works Department Maintenance facility. Turning movements and queuing conflicts are a major issue at the Yew Avenue intersection and because of the proximity of the adjacent intersection, traffic back ups and unsafe driving habits are common. With new development taking place now on industrially-zoned properties where the former Blaine Airport resided, the need for this project is even more pressing. In addition, pedestrian facilities on the route have gaps and bicycle travel through this area is very complicated and hazardous. |
Project Funding
| TIB Funds | Local Funds | Total Costs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | 0 | 210,000 | 210,000 |
| Right of Way | 50,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 |
| Construction | 1,111,862 | 1,769,102 | 2,880,964 |
| Project Totals | $1,161,862 | $2,029,102 | $3,190,964 |
Local Match
| TIB Participation | Local Match | Minimum Local Match |
|---|---|---|
| 36.4% | 63.6% | 10% |
Summary of Improvements
- Improves pedestrian safety;
- Improves mobility;
- Increases access control
Description of Improvements
The best solution to the queuing problem is access management, accomplished by changing the channelization to restrict turn movements and provide alternative modes for those movements. Accordingly, the project includes a left turn restriction, accomplished by a pork-chop island at Yew Avenue that will only allow for right-in and right-out turning movements. A roundabout will be constructed at the Boblett Court intersection, allowing traffic from Yew Avenue to turn around and que safely at SR543. In addition, access will be further restricted by narrowing and/or combining existing driveways. The current skew at the Yew Avenue intersection will be corrected, and the center median will be extended. The multipurpose 10-foot sidewalk West of SR543, constructed with TIB funds in 2016, will be extended on the north side, to the roundabout. These improvements will tie to the althletic trail system on Boblett Court to Pipeline, which is being constructed in 2020. In addition, bike lanes and sidewalk will be included as part of the project. A protected crosswalk will be included east of Yew Avenue that will provide a safe location for those crossing the truck route to access the businesses on both sides of the road. These improvements also complete a section of missing sidewalk and the corridor that connects the city center, international mall, manufacturing district and park/trail system.