PORT ANGELES — The three Clallam County commissioners unanimously passed the 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program and next year’s annual construction program, both of which lay out future transportation construction plans.
Citizens voiced concerns Tuesday about the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR) access improvements project during a public hearing on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The project plans to relocate part of Voice of America Road, realign Kitchen-Dick Road and the Lotzgesell Road curve, add a dedicated turn lane into the DNWR and widen some areas.
These combined goals, which are projected to take place over the next two years, will cost about $2 million. About $1.7 million will be funded by federal lands access program (FLAP) funding while about $270,000 will be funded by the county.
Joe Donisi, county engineer, said a public meeting will be held to gain citizen input and shape the project before any construction occurs. That meeting likely will take place in February or May, he said.
Relocating Voice of America Road will move it away from the deteriorating bluff before it falls in, Donisi said.
The other parts of the project received public input, both written and in person, largely due to citizens’ concerns around public safety.
Walter Trial said he was concerned about speeds on Kitchen-Dick and Lotzgesell roads. The speed limit is 45 mph, but Doug Crooks said drivers often go much faster than the posted limit.
Citizens also noted Five Acre School is located on Lotzgesell Road, elevating the public’s safety concerns.
Some citizens were concerned that softening the curve or widening the roads would lead to increased speeding and decreased safety for residents and the school.
Planned changes could make “this already hazardous stretch of road more dangerous,” Crooks said.
Josh Durst suggested the county look into ways to slow drivers down, such as rumble strips or flashing signs.
All three commissioners said they were in support of a public meeting that could delve deeper into these concerns and consider alternatives to increase safety in that area.
Commissioner Mark Ozias said the county also should look into the process of designating a school zone, which could slow speeds in the direct vicinity of Five Acre School.
In addition to the DNWR access improvement projects, the TIP contains 42 other funded road, bridge, culvert and trail projects as well as 47 unfunded projects. Maintenance work is not included in the TIP, Donisi said.
Overall, the funded projects are projected to cost about $64 million, spread out over the next six years. Federal funds will pay for $43.4 million, $13.9 million will be funded by the state and $6.7 million will be county funds.
Unfunded projects, which are estimated to cost about $51.9 million, may be moved to the funded list as financing is identified.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
