Traffic light to be installed at Summitview and 66th Ave.

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The intersection of Summit-view and 66th avenues is set to get a safety upgrade in the form of traffic signals, but the city of Yakima has to cut some red tape first.

The city has socked away $650,000 for the project, which involves the installation of left-turn signals and other improvements at the intersection. Work is expected to get under way in the spring.

Before that can happen, however, environmental regulations require a 20-day comment period. Written comments are due by Jan. 12.

The focus of the project is construction of a protected left-turn lane on Summitview for eastbound motorists trying to turn north onto 66th Avenue and a left-turn lane on 66th for motorists trying to turn east onto Summitview.

Both left-turn lanes will be controlled by traffic signals.

Traffic engineers also plan to widen the intersection and add sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

The intersection has become increasingly busy over the years due to population growth in the West Valley and the Gleed area.
A 2006 traffic study estimated 18,000 vehicles pass through the intersection daily.

In addition to volume, the intersection has safety problems. City officials said the intersection, located just east of a S-curve on Summitview, has been averaging eight accidents a year for the past three years.

Funding for the $650,000 project is roughly split between real estate excise taxes and savings from a 2008 road bond that repaved South Third Avenue and portions of Nob Hill Boulevard.

Written comments may be mailed to Yakima Planning Manager Joan Davenport at 129 N. Second St., Yakima, WA 98901.

* Chris Bristol can be reached at 509-577-7748 or cbristol@yakimaherald.com.