Focus will be on traffic flow through the Sanders/Johnson and Sanders/Woodin Intersections

Information released by the City of Chelan

Mayor Cooney announced today that the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council (CDTC) has awarded the City of Chelan $300,000 for Chelan Traffic Improvements. The federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds will be used to improve traffic flow through the Sanders/Johnson and Sanders/Woodin intersections in downtown Chelan.

Mayor Cooney was quick to recognize those involved saying, “We are very excited to receive these funds and are grateful to the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council for their consideration of Chelan.”

The funding from the CDTC, coupled with a $300,000 legislative appropriation secured by the City in 2018, guarantees at least $600,000 to help move seasonal traffic through Chelan in a safe and expeditious manner. City funds will be allocated, or additional grant funds pursued to make up any remaining balance when a final project budget is determined.

In April 2019, the City Council approved a contract with SCJ Alliance to study long-term solutions for the intersections. The study will include multiple opportunities for business and public input.

Meanwhile, on July 31, 2019, Mayor Cooney and staff met with local and regional traffic experts to discuss congestion on Johnson Avenue. Following the meeting, state traffic engineers then increased the duration of the left turn signal at Woodin and Sanders which immediately had a significant positive impact on moving traffic through the intersection and reducing congestion on Johnson Avenue and SR 150.

Mayor Cooney encourages the public to be involved in the planning process as the project develops.