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(Silverdale, WA) - Kitsap County is installing an all-way stop at the Greaves Way and Old Frontier intersection. The new signs will be in place by the end of May. Residents brought their concerns to Commissioner Wolfe and the County's Public Works Department. These concerns triggered a review of traffic operations at the intersection, and a community conversation at the March 2018 Central Kitsap Community Council meeting. A significant number of collisions involved eastbound traffic on Old Frontier turning left. Most are caused by failing to yield right-of-way to westbound oncoming traffic on Greaves Way, turning in front of oncoming traffic. Several motorists reported oncoming vehicles on Greaves Way changing lanes to the through lane at the last minute.
In 2010, Kitsap County constructed Greaves Way to provide a direct connection to SR 3 from the west side of Silverdale. This public investment also made lands accessible for growth and economic development. For the first few years after Greaves Way opened and prior to development, the daily traffic volumes averaged around 4,000-5,000 vehicles.
A recent traffic count shows a significant growth with approximately 8,500 vehicles using the road each day. Over the past few years the Department of Public Works has added additional signage to help alert motorists early as to which lane they needed to be in. Additional pavement arrows and dashed striping for each of the two lanes were added, as well as removing vegetation in the median to allow for better sight distances for motorists.
During construction the county built some underlying infrastructure, recognizing traffic signals would be warranted at the intersection eventually. Conduits and electric boxes were installed at the intersection during construction.
The Department of Public Works is in the process of programming the signal project into the County's Transportation Improvement Plan, but it takes time to secure funding and complete the design. The All-Way Stop will serve as an interim solution until the signalized intersection can be designed and funded.
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