PORT TOWNSEND – Traffic circles at Howard and Thomas streets are envisioned for Upper Sims Way.
The possibility of a roundabout replacing the traffic light at the Discovery and Mill roads intersection of state Highway 20 also exists, should Jefferson County leaders agree to it.
The Port Townsend City Council approved proposed revisions 6-0, with Councilman Geoff Masci absent, last week.
A Upper Sims Way community open house is scheduled at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Community Center on Tyler Street uptown.
The forum will be followed by a City Council session at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 to evaluate intersection alternatives and comments gathered Jan. 17.
Consultants have conducted community forums with residents and business owners to gather public comments on a future vision for Upper Sims and vicinity.
After also meeting with state Department of Transportation officials, the city-contracted consulting firm of Makers Architecture and Urban Design has also recommended left turns restricted to intersections, with U-turns OK on Upper Sims Way to reach businesses.
The left-turn lanes now running down the center of Sims Way between Thomas and Howard streets would become a thing of the past.
Improving connecting back streets as alternative routes leading off Sims Way is also encouraged.
Some of the proposed traffic changes might require acquisition of parts of some commercial property at the Thomas and McPherson streets intersections, John Owen of Makers told the City Council on Thursday.
The intent is to improve access, he said.
“Upper Sims Way is congested, and it’s going to get worse. With three lanes, it will be at capacity,” Owen said.
