Traffic fees considered; work session scheduled for Aug. 13
Clark County slammed the brakes on development in Salmon Creek, because while building in the area is in the fast lane, traffic in the area is not.
The county commissioners established a moratorium on new development in Salmon Creek where 134th Street and I-5 and I-205 converge, as traffic flow in the area has fallen below county standards. County planners have not approved development applications since February, when a de facto moratorium was imposed. Applications are no longer being accepted.
The situation is not a new one for Salmon Creek. A development moratorium was imposed in the same location in 2001 and lifted in 2003, due in part to the county lowering the traffic standards from 22 mph to 13 mph.
Commissioner Betty Sue Morris said she does not want to do that again.
“We will have to take a look at traffic impact fees,” she said.
The county hopes to receive money from the state to begin projects in the corridor to improve the situation. In particular, a realignment of ramps at the 134th street interchange is a priority.
The configuration of the system may have seemed like a good plan when I-205 was built more than 20 years ago, said Morris, but difficulties have developed over time.
“No one was anticipating the growth we have seen along I-5,” she said.
The commission expects to develop a work plan within 60 days.
A work session to begin discussing the plan is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the Clark County Public Service Center.
