Wyatt Way Reconstruction Phase 1

Madison RA Illustration_010721

Project Overview

The Wyatt Way Reconstruction and Safety Improvement project will improve safety for people walking, biking, rolling and driving along Wyatt Way between the Madison Avenue intersection and Lovell Avenue.  The project includes the construction of new sidewalks and bike lanes and a “mini roundabout" at the Wyatt Way-Madison Avenue intersection. Construction started mid-June 2020 and completion is anticipated in March 2021.

Current Project News

In response to feedback from the community, the City has created an online engagement page to inform residents about the mini roundabout at Wyatt Way and Madison Avenue.

On June 15, Public Works Director Chris Wierzbicki provided to the City Council an overview of the project and the next steps for addressing safety. Watch the presentation in the video below (scroll to 1:59:25).

Key Features

Wyatt_Grow.Illus_010721


Key features of improvements along Wyatt Way, between Madison Avenue and Lovell Avenue, include: 

  • New and wider sidewalks on both sides of Wyatt Way 
  • 5-foot-wide bicycle lanes and street paving on both sides of Wyatt Way 
  • Improved ADA ramps and street crossings
  • Improved lighting, landscaping, and rainwater quality improvements
  • Upgrades to water infrastructure: replacement of a water main between Grow Avenue and Nicholson Place

Overview of the “mini roundabout" at  the Wyatt Way-Madison Ave intersection
The Wyatt Way-Madison Avenue intersection, a main thoroughfare for people getting to and from the south end and into downtown, continues to see traffic congestion and is one of the most heavily used intersections on the island. Part of the project planning included developing a solution for increased wait times at the intersection. As far back as 2015, the City’s Comprehensive Plan identified that the intersection did not meet standards.
https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/162/Comprehensive-Plan

A roundabout was proposed at the Wyatt-Madison intersection to improve traffic flow by creating more consistency in vehicle movements through the intersection. In addition, pedestrian crossings will be made safer by shortening the crosswalk distance and reducing points of conflict between people and cars. See diagram below:

Points of conflict

One of the most distinct differences between the Wyatt Way-Madison Avenue roundabout and other roundabouts, including the one at High School Road, is the size. The “mini roundabout” at the Wyatt-Madison intersection functions the same, but it’s smaller due to limited space and to preserve large trees in the area. A mini roundabout is appropriate for addressing small- to medium-size traffic volumes.

Wyatt_RA_Boxes_Illus_010721

How to use the “mini roundabout" 

  • Pedestrians: People crossing the street should look to their left and right before entering the crosswalk. You will no longer need to look across for turning vehicles. 
  • Bicyclists: People on bikes can ride in the roundabout with cars if they feel safe or they can ride up a bicycle ramp to the widened sidewalk as they approach the intersection and use the crosswalk. 
  • Cars: Drivers approaching the roundabout should be aware of pedestrians waiting to cross the street and then look left for oncoming vehicles before entering the roundabout. 
  • Buses and fire trucks: Drivers of larger buses and fire trucks may need to drive over a portion of the center island of the roundabout, which is specifically designed for such use. 

Project Timeline

  1. PLANNING
  2. DESIGN
  3. COnstruction
  4. COMPLETION

FUNDING SOURCE


State Transportation Improvement Board Grant$2,516,000
COBI General Fund$1,492,351
COBI Water Utility$322,500

$4,330,851

__________________________________________________________

HISTORY

Title VI:  The City of Bainbridge Island fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statues in all programs and activities.  Language services are available upon request. Those requiring disability accommodations and/or materials made available in alternate formats, please contact the City Clerk at 206.842.2545 or by email.