Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 201410-9-16

TRANSPORTATION

TOPICS The Transportation Chapter aims to increase the mobility, accessibility, and . Purpose safety of the road network, in coordination . Regional Coordination & with enhancing the multimodal nature of ReferencedReferenced Plans the transportation system and . Background encouraging viable alternatives to the . Complete Streets Policy single-occupant automobile. . Inventory . Level of Service This chapter includes: a brief inventory of . FundingImprovements transportation facilities, adopted level of . Regional ConnectivityCirculation service standards, and a discussion of . Foothills and Canyons current and future system needs and . Complete Streets Policy strategies for meeting demands including . System Maintenance & Safety utilizing demand management and non- . Parking motorized transportation. . Transportation Demand Management (TDM) . Freight Management REFERENCED REGIONAL . Regional Goals and Policies COORDINATION & REFERENCED . Goals and Policies PLANS

The Chelan-Douglas Transportation PURPOSE Council (CDTC) is the region’s metropolitan planning organization (MPO) The purpose of the Transportation Element and the region’s Rregional Ttransportation of the Comprehensive Plan is to ensure the Pplanning Oorganization (RTPO) made up transportation system within the Urban of cities, towns, counties, ports, the Growth Area (UGA) is preserved and Washington State Department of enhanced to meet the growth needs of the Transportation (WSDOT), and LINK community. The Transportation eElement transit. The CDTC has set transportation must consider all modes of transportation policy and goals for Chelan and Douglas from non-motorized functions, such as counties through Transportation 2040 walking, to aviation. The State Growth which addresses regionally-significant Management Act requires the transportation deficiencies, opportunities Transportation Element to consider and recommends transportation system existing inventories of services and improvements in all of Chelan and Douglas facilities, levels of service, system counties. deficiencies, regional coordination, land use patterns and goals and policies among As such, local transportation planning other items. takes place within the context of greater The vision for Wenatchee’s Transportation regional efforts. The City of Wenatchee Element is to promote, manage, and coordinates transportation issues and maintain a safe, efficient, and integrated planning on a regional basis through the multi-modal transportation system that is CDTC. All jurisdictions within the region consistent with the city’s overall vision and including the WSDOT, Chelan County, and adequately serves anticipated growth. LINK Transit participate in coordination Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2014

efforts through the CDTC. The City also plans and coordinates transportation Nearly every transit trip begins or ends as matters directly with the WSDOT, Chelan a walking or bicycle trip. Providing a County, the Wenatchee School District, multimodal transportation system that is the Port of Chelan County, and other reliable, aesthetic, efficient, integrated agencies and non-profit groups. and intentionally connected gives people the option to avoid traffic jams and This Transportation Element is consistent increase the overall capacity of the with the Transportation 2040 priorities. established network. Building upon the OtherSeveral existing plans hold important information for painting a existing system to adequately comprehensive transportation overview of accommodate users of all ages and our urban area. Rather than reiterating abilities requires planning, designing and their information, tThese plans are constructing in such a way that considers adopted by reference, as now and pedestrians, bicyclists, public/paratransit hereafter amended, into this users, people with disabilities, emergency Transportation . Chapter. Plans, responders, motorists, freight providers, documents or studies which have been commercial vehicles, delivery/service adopted as a component of this plan or personnel, adjacent property owners and serve as adopted guidance materials are additional modes of transportation. listed in their entirety under the section, Relationship to Other Plans & Studies, in The decision to consider transportation the Wenatchee Urban Area Plan. The alternatives for the single occupancy Transportation Element and other motor vehicle is influenced by applicable portions of the Comprehensive neighborhood design and density (mixed Plan provides direction on the use and use and short blocks), comfortable and implementation of these plans or guidance convenient infrastructure (size, materials. : placement and feel), narrow streets,

lighting, and aesthetic landscaping and . Transportation 2040: The Regional Transportation Plan for Chelan and architecture. Alternative transportation Douglas Counties modes are found along and across . City of Wenatchee’s adopted Six Year arterials, collectors, alleyways and trails Transportation Improvement Program in order to connect home, work school, . City of Wenatchee Capital Facilities recreation, retail and other destinations Plan 2017-20** for residents and visitors. Access and . 2016 City of Wenatchee Citywide mobility from one place to another is Pavement Management Program essential for all users regardless of . 2013 Greater Wenatchee Bicycle neighborhood status, health equity, Master Plan income, race or ethnicity. . The North Wenatchee Transportation Master Plan Wenatchee’s transportation system is Wenatchee Valley Urbanized Area primarily centered on the private Freight Study automobile. There are ever increasing Wenatchee Foothills Development driver numbers and resulting traffic Potential Study (Resolution 2010-27) congestion on the road system. As the urban area continues to grow, new roadways, bridges, and the expansion of BACKGROUND

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existing roadways in conjunction with motorists, and public transportation continuous maintenance will be required. users.”

This Plan expands the multi-modal nature The Complete Streets Act establishes a of our transportation system. This is grant program to help cities, towns, and achieved, in part, by adopting land use counties pay for complete streets projects. policies that reduce the need for To be eligible for a grant, the Act requires automobile travel. Strategies include local governments to adopt a jurisdiction- providing opportunities for greater wide complete streets ordinance. The residential densities close to employment National Complete Streets Coalition and transit routes, promoting compatible emphasizes a number of important criteria infill in established neighborhoods, as well including incorporating all users and as encouraging a mix of uses in modes, applying to all types of commercial and surrounding areas. transportation projects, recognizing the Facilitating modes other than the importance of a complete street network, automobile also necessitates planning for using the latest design guidance, and reviewing such systems in a identifying specific implementation steps, comprehensive manner for the entire and creating measurable performance urban area. standards to evaluate whether the Due to Wenatchee’s status as the regional jurisdiction is meeting the goals. urban center, however, the city Municipal Research Services transportation network is significantly The City of Wenatchee adopted a affected by traffic generated from outside Complete Streets Policy (Ordinance 2016- the city limits. This presents a significant challenge in utilizing land use and 24) in 2016. Wenatchee’s Complete transportation planning policies to Streets Policy provides: encourage infill development and maintain - Vision for the multimodal a compact urban area while managing transportation system; increasing traffic congestion on the - Core commitment around transportation network generated outside the planning area. identifying users and modes, integration into projects/phases, COMPLETE STREETS POLICY and policy exceptions; - Best practices for establishing a “Complete streets” refers to the concept multimodal transportation system that roadways should be designed with all network, effective complete streets users in mind, not just motorists.Pav The partnerships, design guidance, and term was introduced around 2003 in an performance measures; and effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle - Next steps for implementing facilities in particular, and it is now used complete street elements. by many local governments. In 2011, the state legislature passed the Complete Many of Wenatchee’s streets are designed Streets Act, codified in RCW 47.04.320- for motor vehicle travel; by expanding and 340, encouraging local governments to improving the multi-modal nature of the adopt their own complete streets city’s system, safety and accessibility can ordinances. In particular, RCW increase for all. Amongst the barriers to 47.04.320(1) states that such ordinances utilizing alternative transportation should “provide safe access to all users, facilities is an incomplete transportation including bicyclists, pedestrians, system, the classic examples are

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piecemeal sidewalks and bicycle lanes. improvement program for the region are Because of the piecemeal nature of developed by WVTC. development, many bicycle and pedestrian gaps within the system should be targeted by the city as area-wide improvement INVENTORY projects. Wenatchee’s transportation system is Bulb-out at pedestrian crossing already multimodal in nature. In addition to its road network, the city’s system includes Link Transit with intra-city and intercity routes and an expanding network of on-road and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Inter-regional transportation services include the Pangborn Memorial Airport, Amtrak, and Northwestern Trailways. Columbia Station, a nationally recognized multimodal transportation center, Implementation of traffic calming devices connects these forms of transportation in such as bulb-outs and signage, among downtown. others, can be used to control traffic speeds within neighborhoods and where Streets/Roadways/Highways travel speed is a reoccurring concern. This The City of Wenatchee’s street system approach has been used by several cities includes approximately 108 miles in total. to restore and maintain safe and For a more detailed inventory, refer to the pedestrian friendly neighborhoods. City of Wenatchee 2005 Street Preservation and Maintenance Program Evaluation.

The City of Wenatchee currently manages and maintains approximately 115 centerline miles of public streets not including alleys or SR285. The roadway As such, local transportation planning system also includes 3,427 street lights, takes place within the context of greater 48 traffic signals, and 6,498 signs. Primary regional efforts. Goals and policies are streets within Wenatchee’s transportation informed by and consistent with, the network are classified into three Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council’s categories Principal and minor arterials (WVTC) Confluence 2025 – A Strategic account for 42 miles or approximately Transportation Plan for the Wenatchee 36.5% of the centerline mileage. The Valley. As the Metropolitan Planning other 63.5% of the system consists of local Organization (MPO) for North-Central access or residential streets. Non local- Washington, the WVTC is the local access streets are classified as follows and government consortium responsible for as depicted on the circulation and regional transportation in the urbanized classification plan: area of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee and 1. Principal Arterials - Provide access Rock Island. Regional level of service to major activity centers and standards, transportation system connections to or along regional analyses, and a prioritized transportation traffic ways. Such streets have the

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highest traffic volumes and are the Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities major commuting routes. In 2015 the city accounted for 2. Minor Arterials – Provide circulation approximately 151 miles of cement between Principal Arterials and concrete sidewalk, 437 marked other activity centers. Streets crosswalks, 34 school zone beacons, 3 typically don’t exhibit as high of crosswalks having flashing beacon traffic volumes as Principal warning systems, and one hybrid Arterials. pedestrian signal on SR285. Planned 3. Collectors - Collect traffic from capital projects include the construction of residential areas and connect to additional pedestrian accommodations Principal and/or Minor Arterials.1 including marked crosswalks, curb bulb- 4. Local Access – Low volume streets outs, warning beacons, a pedestrian used primarily for access to bridge, and other work. Typical sidewalk adjacent property. widths in Wenatchee are 5 feet and are 3. Fire Apparatus Roads – Provide sometimes in excess of 10 feet in emergency access to access limited commercial areas. areas in accordance with the International Fire Code (IFC). In 2015 the city accounted for approximately 10 miles of designated bicycle lanes, pavement markings and State-Owned Transportation Facilities associated wayfinding signing. Bicycle lanes are typically five foot wide and State-owned highways in Wenatchee designated by striping, pavement include the limited access portions of markings, and signing next to the SR285 and SR2/97 in both the south and motorized travel lane. The Wenatchee north ends of the city. These sections of Valley Transportation CounciCDTCl the state highway system are managed by adopted the Greater Wenatchee Bicycle the WSDOT and are included in the RTP. Master Plan in 2013. This regional bike plan was developed by the Wenatchee The Wenatchee Urban Area Circulation Valley Transportation CouncilCDTC in Map, depicting all locally classified streets coordination with the Regional Bicycle and identified future roadway connections Advisory Board, looking at the within the transportation network, is metropolitan planning area in Chelan and included at the end of this chapter. Douglas counties. Plan recommendations include policy statements, street projects and program recommendations geared towards improving the ability for residents of, and visitors to, our community to ride their bicycle for commute, transport or pleasure.

This plan is adopted hereinThe Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan was adopted via resolution 2014-64 as a guidance document to be considered by the City as it strives to implement the

1 Local classifications and definitions are not the same as the federal classifications and definitions.

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goals and policies of the Transportation annually across 2 counties and 17 Element and overall provisions of the communities with 8 fixed routes, 4 flex Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive routes, 3 commuter routes, 16 paratransit Plan. Three specific maps in the Greater vehicles (by reservation), a general Dial- Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan are A-Ride (DART) service in Leavenworth and depicted within thise Transportation one seasonal route to Mission Ridge Ski Element. These maps provide updated area. detail on existing bikeways, a 20-year vision for potential bike routes in the region, and identify potential priority project areas. The policies of thise Transportation Element and the Comprehensive Plan as a whole shall ultimately provide the guiding principles and policy direction on bicycle facility improvements in the City of Wenatchee. Columbia Station The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail provides circulated travel between Wenatchee and East Wenatchee for bicycles and pedestrians. It is the longest In addition to Link Transit service, there loop trail in Washington State and are two westbound intercity bus routes traverses more than ten miles of Columbia and a single eastbound route provided River shore lands. Since completion in daily by Northwestern Trailways. 1994, the Loop Trail has been a popular success. The Trail has become a major Link Transit is developing an updated transportation corridor used by both strategic plan that will look to expand on communities for recreation and and improve available routes and services. commuting alike. It is managed by the Loop Trail Advisory Committee, made up Passenger Rail Transportation of all managing agencies and stakeholder Amtrak’s Empire Builder offers daily representatives. westbound rail service in the early morning and eastbound service in the late evening. This provides Wenatchee with Transit Facilities connections from Portland and Seattle to Link Transit provides bus and paratransit Milwaukee and Chicago, in addition to service six days a week. Sixteen routes Vancouver B.C., with many additional provide service throughout Wenatchee, stops along the way. several of those connecting to surrounding communities in Chelan and Douglas Air Transportation Counties. Public transportation extends Pangborn Memorial Airport is co-owned by access and mobility for employment, the Ports of Chelan and Douglas Counties. recreational and social opportunities for FourThree flights, to and from Seattle, are pedestrians and bicyclists by linking available daily. A recent project that added neighborhoods to local and regional a new 7000 foot runway makes it more destinations. Link Transit has increasingly reliable for Horizon Air’s service to Seattle been a crucial connectivity piece of the transportation system serving approximately 1-millions passengers

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and increases the possibility for more commercial air service in the future.2

Freight System State Highway 285 and North Wenatchee Ave make the primary freight route for through traffic in the city. South Wenatchee Ave. and South Mission St. are also designated freight routes extending south of the city. Many of the other Principal and Minor Arterials, as well as some Collectors, serve as the "Supporting Freight System." Certain streets are designated as freight routes. The system proposed provides access to all of the industrial areas where most of the freight traffic will be accessing.

2 Visit pangbornairport.com for more information. Page 7 of 37 Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2014

LEVELS OF SERVICE (LOS) vehicles demand to use a roadway than can be accommodated. The cCity of Wenatchee adopted a complete streets policy in 2016 that will Wenatchee utilizes the vehicle mobility have a profound impact on the way that level of service standards detailed table 2- LOS has been utilized in the past. 2 of Transportation 2040 which includes an Wenatchee is transitioning to an intersection LOS of “E” for urban corridors, integrated multimodal approach to LOS “E” – Averaged in the Wenatchee transportation consistent with the latest Central Business District, and a roadway edition of the Highway Capacity Manual V/C ratio of less than 1.0 for all other (HCM) and the Washington State arterials, transit routes, and highways. Transportation Plan. Table 2-3 of Transportation 2040 identifies Specific LOS for non-motorized modes are regional vehicle mobility deficiencies in the still under development and are expected 2040 forecast. Five intersections are to be consistent with Transportation 2040 identified as failing in Wenatchee. The as they are developed and adopted northerly three intersections are currently regionally. programmed to be addressed utilizing the “Connecting Washington Revenue Automobile Package” (see Improvements). The other two are expected to be addressed later in Automobile level of service standards for the planning period utilizing state and local arterials, transit routes, and highways funds. have historically been based on the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) published Roadway Pavement Condition by the Transportation Research Board. Wenatchee is currently developing a This manual is widely utilized by system-wide pavement management transportation professionals nationwide. program with the primary performance The most current fifth edition published in measure consisting of the averaged 2010 is the first to provide an integrated pavement condition index (PCI). The 2015 multimodal approach to the analysis and PCI of all streets in the city was 75 and the evaluation of urban streets from the points city is currently working toward of view of automobile drivers, transit establishment of formal maintenance and passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. preservation programs that will keep the average PCI from falling lower than 70. The HCM identifies six levels of LOS This will keep the entire system at a level ranging from A to F. LOS A represents the of service that exceeds the Transportation best operating conditions from the 2040 performance target for the regional traveler’s perspective and LOS F the worst. system of “Good to Fair”. One of the strengths of the LOS system, and a reason for its widespread adoption Pedestrian by agencies, is its ability to communicate Transportation 2040 includes a “Walking” roadway performance to laypersons. performance category for the regional Performance measures identified in the road system. The performance measures HCM include the volume-to-capacity ratio in this category include continuous (V/C ratio) which reflects how closely a sidewalk on both sides of the roadway and roadway is operating to its capacity. A V/C providing a four-foot buffer between the ratio that exceeds 1.0 indicates that more driving lane and sidewalk.

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Wenatchee utilizes these performance expected to develop with the measures on the regional road system and implementation of the 2016 cComplete will further define performance measures sStreets pPolicy. in the coming year with the development Public transportation extends access and of a pedestrian master plan. The future mobility for employment, recreational and City of Wenatchee Pedestrian Master Plan, social opportunities for pedestrians and will incorporate the future City of bicyclists by linking neighborhoods to Wenatchee ADA Transition Plan, and local and regional destinations. Link provide recommendations including policy Transit has increasingly been a crucial statements, pedestrian and ADA specific connectivity piece of the transportation projects to improve accessibility and system serving approximately 1-millions mobility for system users as well as an established sidewalk program that passengers annually across 2 counties formalizes a prioritization criteria for and 17 communities with 8 fixed routes, pedestrian infrastructure. 4 flex routes, 3 commuter routes, 16 paratransit vehicles (by reservation), a general Dial-A-Ride (DART) service in Bicycles Leavenworth and one seasonal route to Transportation 2040 includes a “Cycling” Mission Ridge Ski area. InAs of 2016, Link performance category for the regional has been serving Chelan and Douglas road system. The performance measures counties for 25 years and areis ready to in this category include the presence of strategically plan the next 25 years. The bikeway facilities consistent with the renewed strategic plan will help to define Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan the role of public transit in the valley’s adopted by the CDTC in 2013. As bike lane future, redesign and evolved the Link designs evolve, alternatives to the conventional one-way lane (buffered, Transit experience over time and improve contra-flow, left-side bike lanes, etc.) and Link to work better for its customers. an increased preference to 7 ft. or greater Looking to the completed strategic plan allow for comfort, safety, passing room will provide guidance for policy and side-by-side riding. statements and future project and program planning efforts. Wenatchee utilizes these performance measures on the regional road system to the extent detailed in the INVENTORY Regional level of service standards apply section of this element. Further definition to the regional transportation system of performance measures have beenwill be identified in Confluence 2025. Any incorporateddeveloped in the coming year regional roadway or segment that does not with the adoption of in the City of meet each of three different standards is Wenatchee 2016 cComplete sStreets considered deficient by Wenatchee Valley pPolicy. Transportation Council.

Transit The two performance standards are based Wenatchee utilizes the performance on the Highway Capacity Manual LOS D. measures and targets identified in One standard is measured by the amount Transportation 2040 for transit LOS. of delay experienced by vehicles entering Further LOS definition and detail of this an intersection during the afternoon peak travel mode combined with the Bicycle, period. LOS D at a signalized intersection Pedestrian, and Automobile modes is means that over the time of one hour, each vehicle should not be delayed longer

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than 55 seconds; at an unsignalized Current City standards require sidewalks intersection the delay shouldn’t exceed 35 along all residential, collector, and arterial seconds/vehicle, averaged over one hour. roadways. New and re-development The other LOS standard concerns travel occurring along roadways are required to time along identified Regional Mobility put in sidewalks if they are absent. Corridors. At LOS D, if the posted speed Although standards are in place now, there is between 30-35 mph then the average are many streets that do not have travel speed for each vehicle shouldn’t continuous sidewalks. Eight projects listed drop below 14 mph, averaged over one within the City’s TIP include installing or hour. Regional corridors within improving sidewalks along currently Wenatchee include: SR285/N. Wenatchee deficient roadways. Additionally, there is Ave, Wenatchee Ave, West Wenatchee funding set aside for other pedestrian (Maiden Ln, Western Ave, & Cherry St), safety improvements throughout the city Miller/Crawford, and 5th Street. network.

Adopted LOS standards for the city road network are consistent with what the WVTC has set for the greater urban region, with the exception of the regional corridor, SR285/North Wenatchee Ave. Given the regional contributions to SR285, the city realizes that limiting development within city limits (as a consequence of transportation concurrency) will not prevent LOS from continuing to drop. Therefore, the city has decided to implement LOS E performance standards for SR285, which is projected to be deficient by 2025.

In addition to implementing regional LOS standards, Wenatchee applies a LOS D for all signalized intersections along locally classified arterials and collectors.

The third regional level of service standard applies to non-motorized transportation. “All roadways on the regional system should have sidewalks and proposed bicycle facilities should be funded and constructed.” 3 As such, areas where sidewalks and/or proposed bicycle facilities are not present are considered deficient.4

3 Confluence 2025. WVTC. Pg C-25. 4 See Confluence 2025: pg C-26 for specific sidewalk deficiencies.

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LOS Performance Projected Deficient roads and intersections Confluence 2025 identifies regional have been identified for improvements roadways and intersections within within the Regional Transportation Wenatchee’s UGA that are, or will be, Improvement Program (TIP), or within the deficient by 2025. The figure on the City’s Six Year TIP, adequate funding following page depicts all of the sources are still being pursued. intersections and mobility corridors that are projected to be functioning below or at the adopted LOS D.

There is a challenge to transportation concurrency, as stated in Confluence 2025:

“The Growth Management Act’s transportation concurrency ordinance, in some cases, work against the growth management objectives of cities and counties. For example, a city pursuing compact development in an urban area may be forced to shift development to the urban fringe where traffic congestion is less of a problem.

Transportation concurrency presents another challenge by requiring only one jurisdiction to deny development even when traffic impacts result from development in adjacent cities or counties.”5

This challenge is apparent for much of Wenatchee’s principal road network; finding solutions to improve circulation in the long-term, while not disproportionately placing the burden on city development, is a challenge the city, in cooperation with WVTC, is trying to find solutions to.

While adding capacity to a street may be necessary in some circumstances, continual road widening is not a long-term solution to rush-hour traffic congestion. The transportation policies included within this Plan are focused on managing the transportation network safely and efficiently for all modes without unnecessarily widening arterial streets.

5 Confluence 2025. WVTC. pg B-5.

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Replace this with figure 2-3 of Transportation 2040

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FUNDINGIMPROVEMENTS sources with lesser amounts coming from the state gas tax and city general fund. A recent analysis of the street overlay Funding for planning and engineering program found that more than $1.5 million come from a mix of general funds and needs to be annually allocated to this fund grants. due to the rising cost of oil prices, and a closer examination of other issues such as grinding, along with life extension The City’s Capital Facilities Plan and six- maintenance procedures such as crack year TIP further outline funding and sealing and intersection repair. Due to the financing for transportation, storm drain, life cycle of city streets, in some years sidewalk, and circulation and utility additional overlays are not anticipated, or improvements – including, constructing are severely reduced in scope. However, new roadway segments and various signal due to the large amount of work done in upgrades. 1998 and 1999, which were financed by bonds, annual project costs are The regional transportation plan lists anticipated to significantly increase in projects that need to be completed over 2014. In 2014, when the city’s existing the next 20 years. It identifies which bonds for the overlay program are paid off, projects can be completed within the city can either re-issue bonds for projected revenues and others that are not another large push, or the city could add expected to fit within funding limits. On a the revenue from the 1st ¼% Real Estate regional level, there are $60 million of Excise Tax to the Overlay program. An expected revenue tied to localized alternative would be to ask the voters for projects, with $55 million of additional additional authority to pay for street localized projects expected to exceed overlays, or additional funding options available revenues. In addition, $485 that might be provided by the state million are projected for necessary legislature for preservation of city corridor projects; all of which exceeds streetsWenatchee’s budget includes expected revenue funds.Transportation several funds and funding sources for 2040 identifies transportation funding in transportation maintenance, planning, three general categories: System preservation, and improvement.. pPreservation; System Improvements; Maintenance activities such as pavement and System Expansion all showing funding patching, signal, lighting, vegetation gaps totaling $1.2 billion dollars. The plan management, and snow removal are goes on to show that the overall need for included in several maintenance line additional revenue is significant which is items. Pavement management and consistent with Wenatchee’s local system preservation is primarily funded through analysis. the overlay fund. Construction is primarily funded through the arterial street fund. The Washington State Legislature recently adopted a gasoline tax package titled Fund sources for maintenance come “Connecting Washington Revenue primarily from property tax with lesser Package” which provides substantial amounts from the state gas tax. Fund transportation funds to the region sources for the overlay fund are primarily including approximately $23 million dollars transportation benefit district (TBD) with in Wenatchee for access and safety lesser amounts from the real estate excise improvements on US 2 and SR 285. The tax (REET). Fund sources for arterial funding is programmed to begin in 2019 streets primarily comes from grant and will address various deficiencies along

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the northerly delay corridor identified in employers are generally more concerned figure 2-3 of Transportation 2040. with this congestion within Wenatchee than the lack of connections to the Transportation 2040 suggests the region interstate system. In order to alleviate will need to think carefully about potential peak traffic problems, participants in the strategies for securing additional state and Comprehensive Plan visioning process and federal funds beyond those assumed in the the Wenatchee Valley Transportation plan. Wenatchee is currently investigating Council strategic planning process in 2005, new and current funding source recognized that a third bridge traversing opportunities for pavement preservation the Columbia would be needed in the needs and continually struggles with fully future. Shorter-term interventions include funding all its maintenance and improved approaches to the Sellar Bridge, improvement needs. Potential additional identifying system improvements along transportation funding could come from North Wenatchee Avenue, and searching additional utility taxes, increases in TBD for adequate funding. This is confirmed in vehicle license fees, increases in the sales Transportation 2040. This fact coupled tax, regional and local impact fees on with the fact that 78% of workers development, and other possible sources commute via the single occupancy vehicle some of which would require voter has and continues to strain the regional approval. transportation system with more trips across the two bridges in the urban area. This significant lack of secure funding for Recent capacity improvement projects on future circulation improvements creates a both ends of the Sellar Bridge in the glaring need to aggressively pursue southern part of the urban area has additional funding sources. Some reduced the short-term need for capacity alternatives include: improvements but North Wenatchee 1. Regional traffic impact fee applied Avenue congestion problems grow every to new development within city year. and/or region. 2. Federal and state funding North Wenatchee Avenue opportunities 3. Collect tolls on a new bridge.

REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY CIRCULATION

As the regional urban center, Wenatchee experiences a great influx of out-of-town employees and visitors on a daily basis. This creates traffic bottlenecks during the peak A.M. and P.M. rush hours at the two major points of entry, the George Sellar Bridge to the south and Wenatchee River Bridge to the north. Congestion at these pressure points creates backups and inefficiencies throughout the The North Wenatchee Avenue Corridor transportation system. According to (SR285) has been identified as the highest economic development officials, potential priority transportation issue by the CDTC.

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The North Wenatchee Transportation walking and bicycling trips by containing Master Plan has identified a host of short dead-ends (e.g. cul-de-sacs), which and long-term improvements necessary to lengthens trip. keep the corridor at an acceptable level of service. Wenatchee has implemented In addition to causing everyday traffic several short-term projects and several backups, limited access points present others are under development. The clear dangers in the case of potential costlier long-term system expansion natural disasters including wildfires, floods project titled “Confluence Parkway” is still and/or debris flows (i.e. mudslides). In in the preliminary environmental these extreme events, residents would be feasibility stages. The Confluence funneled onto single egress roads, thereby Parkway strategy essentially creates hindering evacuation and threatening another parallel two-lane roadway that lives. A recent aAnalysis found that begins at the Euclid Interchange on approximately 550 residential parcels SR2/97 and connects to the northerly end ultimately feed onto 5th Street, just west of the North Wenatchee Avenue corridor of Woodward Drive. The growing as depicted in the circulation map. Broadview community includes an estimated 150 parcels funneling onto Other oOptions for regional Maiden Lane, just west of Western connectivityimproved circulation to Avenue. Other potential trouble areas consider include: include developments accessed solely by Number Two Canyon Road and Horse Lake Road. 1. Bridge Connections. Pursue greater connectivity with a more centrally Protection and implementation of located bridge across the Columbia proposed circulation routes is important River and/or to Sunnyslope and points for the quality of life and life safety west with a second bridge across the considerations of existing and future Wenatchee River. residents within the foothills and canyons. 2. Alternative Modes of Transportation. The Wenatchee Foothills Development Significantly improve pedestrian and Potential Study was adopted as a guidance bicycle facilities (e.g. sidewalks, bike document via resolution 2010-27 and lanes) and transit service, thereby should be referred to regarding land use, expanding capacity of the existing transportation, and utility planning in the system’s infrastructure. foothills. Options to consider in this area include:

FOOTHILLS AND CANYONS 1. Circulation Map. Identify and protect new rights-of-way connecting the Given the difficulties raised by piecemeal western foothills. development and steep terrain, residential 2. Foothills Planning. Discourage new areas in Wenatchee’s western foothills are development until a more served by a limited number of access comprehensive plan for the foothills points. Combined with limited including access, neighborhoods, connectivity (i.e. number of ways to get recreation, critical areas, and disaster someplace), reduced access enhances the preparedness elements can be problem of concentrating traffic on a few adopted. major roads during the morning and evening commutes. It also discourages

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related assets including: Ppavement markings, signals, lighting, signing, sidewalks, curbs, drainage facilities, etc.

The City implemented the Street Overlay Program in 1996. The Program focuses on preservation and maintenance of asphalt streets primarily through scheduled SYSTEM MAINTENANCE & SAFETY overlays based on a street’s “life cycle”. Resulting out of a program review in 2005, Transportation mobility is dependent on other strategies for preserving roads have the condition of the system’s streets, been recognized; including: updating City bridges, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks. The construction standards, making use of successful maintenance of Wenatchee’s crack sealing, grinding, intersection existing transportation system promotes repairs, and more accurate “life cycles”. mobility, safety, efficiency, and infrastructure preservation. By managing In addition to maintaining existing and protecting its infrastructure facilities, ensuring quality construction in investments, the City can significantly new or reconstructed roadways should reduce the need for new and/or increase safety, system efficiency, and replacement facilities in the future. extend “life cycles” of streets. As identified in the 2005 review of the Street The city is expanding Geographical Overlay Program, updated City Information System technology to better construction standards should be adopted inventory its assets. Infrastructure assets so that subsequent roadway development including street pavement, electric system will contribute quality streets. components, signing, and various utilities are being compiled in the citywide GIS Many of Wenatchee’s streets are designed databases. These databases will serve to for motor vehicle travel; by expanding and provide a basis for the city to better improving the multi-modal nature of the manage utilizing asset management city’s system, safety can increase for all. techniques. Asset management is a Amongst the barriers to utilizing systematic process of deploying, alternative transportation facilities is an operating, maintaining, upgrading, and incomplete transportation system, the disposing of assets cost-effectively. In the classic examples are piecemeal sidewalks engineering environment it is the practice and bicycle lanes. Because of the of managing assets (public infrastructure) piecemeal nature of development, many to achieve the greatest return, and the bicycle and pedestrian gaps within the process of monitoring and maintaining system should be targeted by the city as facilities systems, with the objective of area-wide improvement projects. providing the best possible service to users.

The City is currently developing a formal pavement management program with the objective of identifying and securing funds necessary to maintain a chosen level of service for the street pavement network. The city should continue to pursue formal asset management of all transportation

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Wenatchee is required to develop a Bulb-out at pedestrian crossing pedestrian and bicycle component within the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The aim of this component is to facilitate everyday physical activity through transportation- based approaches. By planning and developing a more attractive, safe and seamless network of bicycle and pedestrian routes, the City can make active forms of transportation to places of employment, learning, and recreation a Implementation of traffic calming devices more viable option for a wider range of such as bulb-outs and signage, among residents. others, can be used to control traffic speeds within neighborhoods and where Like the vast majority of communities travel speed is a reoccurring concern. This throughout the country, Wenatchee approach has been used by several cities residents rely on the private automobile as to restore and maintain safe and their transportation mode of choice for pedestrian friendly neighborhoods. most of their trips. In addition to the car’s perceived advantages of mobility, Other oOptions for system maintenance & flexibility, privacy, and comfort, safety to consider include: transportation mode choice is also a function of the built or planned 1. Response Maintenance. Focus on environment. Residents are far less likely projects that keep streets in safe to opt for alternative modes, including driving conditions such as filling transit, walking, or biking, in areas potholes. designed around and for the automobile. 2. Prevention. Expand preventative maintenance strategies to extend the Conversely, residents are more likely to useful life of all streets, including consider transportation alternatives in revision of construction standards. compact neighborhoods and districts with 3. Enhancements. Support scheduled pedestrian amenities, such as adequate maintenance and upgrade activities sidewalks and/or bike lanes, mixed uses, including the Street Overlay Program. narrow streets, short blocks, lighting, 4. System Expansion. Prioritize and carry landscaping, and visually interesting out projects that improve multi-modal architecture. For trips less than one mile, safety such as adding sidewalks, studies found that a mixing of uses (eg. bicycle facilities, improved crossings, residential and commercial in the same and traffic calming devices. area or building) alone generates four times as many walking trips6 and that walking increases with connectivity (e.g. fewer cu-de-sacs & dead-ends), more intersections and blocks, narrower streets, PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES, TRANSIT and greater visual interest7. Not

6 Holtzclaw, J. (1994) Using Residential Patterns and 7 Ewing, R. & Cervero, R. (2001) Travel and the Built Environment: A Transit to Decrease Auto Dependence and Costs, Natural Synthesis. Transportation Research Record, 1780: 87-114. 2001. Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, pp. 16-23. Page 17 of 37 Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2014

surprisingly, walking as a commuting suggests that there is a physical divide choice varies substantially among between transit service and a large portion Wenatchee’s neighborhoods. Whereas of the city. Over 4,000, or approximately almost 7 percent of Historic Center 33 percent, of the parcels within the Urban residents walk to work, less than 2 percent Growth Area (UGA) are further than 700 of West Wenatchee residents do so. feet (more than 2 blocks) from a Link Transit route. Physically, roadways often have poorly maintained sidewalks and bike lanes or lack them altogether and feature few well marked pedestrian crossings. The one- ways of Mission and Chelan Avenue encourage higher speeds and cut off adjacent neighborhoods from downtown. Many streets offer little in terms of visual interest for walkers. Deep building setbacks and large parking lots separate pedestrians from the activity, safety, and sense of enclosure provided by buildings. By strongly discouraging walking and bicycling, these physical and psychological obstacles contribute to traffic congestion and air pollution, limit opportunities for active transportation, and demobilize and isolate non-drivers including children and seniors.

One other important aspect of pedestrian and bicycle network planning is the level of connectivity with public transportation. Public transportation extends the range of employment, recreational, and social opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists by linking neighborhoods to local and regional destinations. Since its beginning of fixed-route operations in 1991, Link Transit has steadily matured as a viable transportation option in the Wenatchee Valley.

Although transit ridership remains relatively low in proportion to driving alone, that trend has been improving. The percentage of Wenatchee residents taking public transportation to work increased from 0.2 percent in 1990 to 1.1 percent in 2000. An analysis of its routes, however,

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PARKING Management pPlan are incorporated as a component of this Transportation Element Wenatchee’s relationship with the and include: automobile is reflected in its development patterns that have varied greatly over the 1. Formalize the plan Guiding years; ranging between pedestrian Principles as policies within the oriented streetscapes to heavily auto parking and transportation system dependent off street parking areas. plan.

Today, the prevalence of visible off-street 2. Adopt the 85% Rule as the parking lots are often a defining land use standard for measuring performance characteristic within many of Wenatchee’s of the parking supply and triggering commercial and mixed-use zoning specific management strategies and districts. Although these parking areas future rate ranges. provide convenience for motorists, they 3. Consolidate the management and tend to result in reduced aesthetics at a administration of parking within a district level, demote pedestrian single City agency to ensure that experiences, and deter utilization of time and resources necessary to plan alternative modes of transportation. implementation are in place. 4. Establish a Downtown Parking Wenatchee recognizes the importance, Advisory Committee (DPAC) challenge, and opportunity well planned consisting of downtown stakeholders parking can have in the continued growth to assist in program implementation and revitalization of its commercial and and review. mixed-use zoning districts, especially 5. Establish a Downtown Parking and Downtown. Establishing a balance of Transportation Fund as a mechanism efficient and high quality land use, to direct funds derived from parking convenience for citizens and visitors, and into a dedicated fund. business success are all notable themes within this Plan that are well suited to act as guiding principles in the advancement of Wenatchee’s Parking goals and policies. Given Wenatchee’s reliance on the This section is intended to compliment and automobile as the primary means of implement the goals and policies found in transportation, the perceived low the Land Use and Community Design availability of parking is a key factor in Chapters. terms of living, working, and recreating. Downtown Wenatchee is one area where Downtown this perception persists. Like most In 2016, Wenatchee initiated a consultant downtown environments, few parking led parking study within an expanded spaces allow visitors to park directly in downtown area to asses existing front of their destinations; instead, on- conditions, establish guiding principles, street and surface parking facilities are and to develop a long term strategic dispersed throughout the central business management plan that emphasizes patron district. Although this encourages walking and visitor priority. The inventory and can generate impulse (i.e. window assessment identified sufficient capacity shopping) sales, it can also discourage currently exists, although it is some people from even venturing into the underutilized. The policy action strategies downtown. Addressing this perceived within the Downtown Strategic Parking parking shortage is a primary concern for

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some downtown businesses and alternative modes of travel. An effective customers. The city began addressing this TDM program maximizes the existing issue in 2016 with a detailed downtown transportation system, thereby offsetting parking analysis which is expected to be the need for costly system complete in 2017. expansion.Transportation demand management (TDM) is a concept that When done poorly, addressing parking encompasses a range of actions intended issues can come at the expense of other to modify travel behavior, usually to avoid quality of life factors. On-street and off- additional costly expansion of a street parking are major land uses that are transportation system. TDM addresses often overlooked as determinants of traffic congestion and increased Wenatchee’s livability including urban transportation efficiency by focusing on form, aesthetic quality, traffic congestion, reducing and attenuating travel demand and cost of living. Although aesthetic rather than increasing transportation impacts can be softened through required supply. landscaping and screening, parking is generally unsightly and creates visual and Travel demand is reduced by measures psychological gaps for motorists and that either eliminate trip making or pedestrians alike. accommodate person trips in fewer vehicles. TDM techniques generally Options to consider in this area include: address the commuter and may include incentives, disincentives, and provision of Management. Maximize existing parking transportation alternatives. Several of the facilities with better signage, lighting and more common TDM alternatives include pedestrian connections. Offer new parking ridesharing, parking subsidy removal or reductions for appropriate uses. parking pricing, telecommuting, flextime, transit or rideshare incentives, parking supply limits, and compressed work weeks Joint Development. Explore opportunities to reduce driving days. for the city and private sector to jointly develop structured parking in the Apart from pedestrian and bicycle paths, downtown and other mixed use areas. the primary activity for TDM in Wenatchee TRANSPORTATION DEMAND is conducted by LINK transit. Efforts of MANAGEMENT (TDM) LINK in this regard have been directed toward reducing single person vehicle Transportation Demand Management occupancy by encouraging bus ridership (TDM) is a suite of strategies designed to and other programs identified in the LOS change travel behavior (how, when and section of this element. where people travel) in order to increase efficiency and achieve specific objectives As traffic volumes increase and congestion such as reduced traffic congestion, road levels of service decrease, the city of and parking cost savings, increased Wenatchee should consider working with safety, improved mobility for non-drivers, major employers and the Wenatchee energy conservation, and pollution School District to stagger work and school emission reductions. TDM is primarily start and end times to attenuate peak focused on employee travel to and from traffic volumes. work, because these trips are made at the same time by large numbers of people and As adopted in Confluence 2025identified in are, therefore, easier to replace with Goal 4 of Transportation 2040, it is

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Wenatchee’s policy to manage auto travel The Wenatchee Valley Urbanized Area demand by planning for viable alternative Freight Study identified necessary modes of transportation including walking, improvements to the current bicycling, and public transportation. transportation system to adequately Adopted regional and local strategies accommodate the movement of freight. include: Many of these improvements include changes in signage, lane striping, and o Establishing performance measures changes in the curb radii. for pedestrian and bicycle facilities. o Identifying complete streets This plan demonstrated how the efficient opportunities to make strategic movement of freight can coexist with sidewalk and bike lane other modes of transportation. Providing improvements and linkages to adequate instruction to truck drivers enhance the effectiveness of transit helps them choose the routes that were o Evaluating and prioritizing project designed to accommodate their vehicles. alternatives based on benefits for transit and non-motorized This Wenatchee Valley Urbanized Area transportation. Freight Study is adopted herein as a o Reducing the number and length of guidance document to be considered by trips through effective land use the City as it strives to implement the planning (e.g. increasing densities, goals and policies of the Transportation mixing uses, promoting infill). Element and overall provisions of the Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan. The recommended freight route designations are depicted as a component of the Transportation Element. Several recent and planned capital projects Freight Management address recommendations included in the Wenatchee Valley Urbanized Area Freight Study including intersection modifications The local economy is dependent on the and signing. efficient movement of freight into, within, and out of the region. Ensuring there are designated routes that accommodate large tractor-trailer type vehicles is an important aspect of guaranteeing this efficient movement. Finding a balance where freight is accommodated but a high quality of life is simultaneously maintained is possible but requires strategic action. Large trucks need wide streets and wide curb radii but narrow streets and curb radii are best for safe pedestrian movement. By keeping freight traffic on designated routes, the city is able to maintain strong pedestrian amenities in most of the city while still providing for the efficient movement of freight.

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REGIONAL GOALS AND POLICIES

To assure consistency between local and regional planning efforts, the GMA requires all transportation elements of local comprehensive plans undergo a consistency review and certification process to ensure that they conform with the requirements of GMA and are consistent with the Regional Transportation. This consistency review and certification is performed by the CDTC. Transportation 2040 articulates the policy perspective on regional consistency and are is intended to further the coordinated development of comprehensive plans. Table 2-1 in Transportation 2040 includes six regional policy goals in to be applied in all regional and corridor planning efforts as follows:

• Public Involvement – Develop awareness of community preferences and stakeholder concerns and provide information to citizens, businesses, interest groups and other interested parties including the low-income, elderly, minorities and non-English speakers; Build community support for Council plans and proposals. • Intergovernmental Coordination – Align policy objectives relating to land use, economic development & transportation; Foster member jurisdiction support for Council decisions; Support regional economic and community development plans; Promote regional strategies to increase transportation funding; Develop actionable plans to address urban, rural and small city transportation needs. • Transportation Safety – Improve safety for vehicle drivers, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians. • Access and Mobility – Develop actionable plans for maintaining adopted performance standards for vehicle drivers, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians; Improve freight access and mobility; Whenever possible, integrate bicycle, pedestrian and transit improvements with roadway maintenance, preservation, and improvements. • Financial Stewardship – Apply technology to increase roadway capacity and safety; Encourage “access management” to maximize the capacity of major roadways; Maximize the use of public transportation, bicycling, walking and carpooling in order to expand the capacity of the existing roadway system; Ensure that financial resources allocated to transportation improvements maximize community benefits; Balance future investments in roadways, public transportation and non-motorized infrastructure. • Environmental Stewardship – Avioid and minimize negative environmental and societal impacts from transportation improvements; Enhance the natural and social environment when possible.

Wenatchee has utilizes these regional goals in transportation planning. The following goals and policies coupled with the regional goals and policies form the foundation of Wenatchee’s transportation strategy for the future:

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GOALS AND POLICIES and local transportation network. REGIONAL CONNECTIVITYGOAL 1: Roadway standards should be based on CIRCULATION – Enhance regional the local classification system. connectivity within the Wenatchee Valley and to major destinations Policy 7: Proposed new circulation beyond. routes have been identified in the circulation plan. The specific location of Policy 1: Increase inter-governmental these routes may be altered by the City coordination of long term policy objectives Engineer in order to accomplish the relating to land use, economic intended circulation function. As development and transportation. development occurs which may benefit or contribute to circulation impacts in the Policy 2: Strengthen the regional area of new proposed circulation corridors, transit system by intensifying land uses development must proportionately along primary transit corridors and around address transportation system impacts. major transit stops. Policy 8: In addition to identified new Policy 3: Participate in short and long- circulation routes, transportation facility term regional transportation project connectivity may necessitate the planning including potential Columbia continuation of road systems to foster the and/or Wenatchee River bridges. long-range transportation goals and polices of the city. As development Policy 4: Distribute traffic with a well occurs, require the extension of dead-end connected pattern of streets, existing or streets which improve access and proposed and alleys; discouraging cul-de- circulation. sacs. that don’t include pedestrian and/or bicycle connections. Policy 69: Improve arterial streets by bringing them up to current standards; Policy 5: Permanent cul-de-sacs shall prioritize projects based on improvements only be permitted in situations where it to transportation circulation from can be demonstrated that the design neighborhoods to downtown and other provides an acceptable level of network commercial areas. circulation; and the prohibition of cul-de- sacs creates an unreasonable economic Policy 710: Follow level of service burden based upon factors such as standards adopted by the Wenatchee topographic necessity or the built Valley Transportation Council, with the environment. Cul-de-sacs can be a useful exception of the regional corridor SR285, tool to assist with facilitating residential where LOS E, intersection and travel time infill development and meeting desired performance standards, shall be densities for constrained properties. applied.as detailed in this transportation element and develop a multi-modal Policy 56: Adopt a circulation plan approach to LOS standards. and local street classification system that reflect each roadway’s role in the regional

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Policy 811: Use the North Wenatchee Policy 2: Ensure the planning, design, Transportation Master Plan completed by construction, and operation of a safe the Wenatchee Valley Transportation transportation system for all modes of CouncilCDTC as a guide for regional travel. transportation planning and incorporation Policy 3: Review intersections or of transportation improvements into City’s street locations with a high number of Circulation Plan. traffic collisions and improve their safety through education, enforcement, and Policy 912: Use the North Wenatchee engineering changes. Transportation Master Plan as a guidance tool for evaluation of development Policy 4: To protect neighborhood applications to identify congestions streets from high speeds and volumes, improvements along North Wenatchee incorporate traffic calming techniques into Avenue for consistency with the North road standards, development review and Wenatchee Transportation Master Plan. transportation improvement projects.

Policy 103: Prior to transportation Policy 5: Ensure that the city’s improvements along North Wenatchee transportation network adequately serves Avenue, perform a detailed analysis when existing and projected development. needed of the North Wenatchee Existing roadway conditions, such as Transportation Master Plan components to adequate geometry and sidewalks, serving improve implementation of the master new development should be evaluated plan. with each development application.

Policy 14: Coordinate with Chelan Policy 6: Prioritize road County on the implementation of the improvements in the existing network to Chelan County Transportation Plan as it better facilitate transportation circulation relates to the lands identified in the from neighborhoods to downtown within Wenatchee Urban Area Motorized the UGA south of the Wenatchee River. Circulation Map, north of the Wenatchee River. GOAL 3: PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES & TRANSIT – Provide a mix of Policy 15: Consider the Washington transportation options that better State Department of Transportation’s meets the changing needs and goals and policies in all applicable plans preferences of Wenatchee residents. and projects. Policy 1: Encourage physical activity GOAL 2: SYSTEM MAINTENANCE & and alternative modes of transportation by SAFETY – Promote the safe and adopting more pedestrian and bicycle efficient operation of Wenatchee’s friendly street standards (e.g. pavement multimodal transportation system. width, landscaping requirements).

Policy 1: Continue implementing the Policy 2: Improve and maintain transportation preservation and pedestrian connections between maintenance program that improves residential, employment, service, and safety and prolongs the service life of recreation centers. Give priority facilities by making use of street consideration to school walking routes and overlaying, crack sealing, and grinding. access to transit.

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Policy 3: Integrate pedestrian and as a whole, balancing and pursuing the bicycle concerns into the development goals and policies of the plan an review process. Discourage development encouraging neighborhood, business and that limits pedestrian and bicycle community feedback and participation. connections (e.g. dead-end streets). Policy 8: Implement the 2016 Complete Policy 4: Enhance the attractiveness Streets Policy adopted by the City of and marketability of downtown by Wenatchee, intended to serve individuals expanding its pedestrian orientation of all ages and abilities including but not beyond the Wenatchee Avenue core to all limited to: pedestrians, bicyclists, public of the Central Business District. /paratransit users, people with disabilities, emergency responders, motorists, freight Policy 5: Provide a comprehensive providers, commercial vehicles, and interconnected network of bikeways delivery/service personnel, and adjacent linking residential areas with employment property owners. and recreation centers.

Policy 6: Encourage consideration for new or improved transit stops, shelters, and park & rides where appropriate during development review and roadway reconstruction projects.

Policy 7: The Priority Projects MapThe 2016 Wenatchee Complete Streets Policy, and 20 Year Vision for the Bicycle Network identified in the 2013 Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan, and pedestrian plans should be considered among a range of alternatives to provide a connected multi- modal transportation network within the City of Wenatchee. Choices made by the City shall ultimately reflect an approach of implementation of the comprehensive plan

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GOAL 4: FOOTHILLS AND CANYONS – districts and neighborhoods. Consider Ensure adequate emergency access developing a parking matrix to establish into and out of foothills communities. varying parking requirements at the Improve circulation by increasing individual district level. Where connectivity within, between, and to appropriate, manage parking by defined neighborhoods. area or district.

Policy 1: Develop a comprehensive Policy 2: Discourage private Foothills Plan that provides access, standalone surface parking lots; i.e. transportation, land use, recreation, parking lots without a primary use. critical areas and neighborhood protection Encourage efficient structured parking policies to guide future growth and that can be shared by multiple users. development in the foothills. Policy 3: Incentivize Policy 2: New development located consolidation and reduction of vehicle within identified Circulation Deficient access points along the street network Areas shall provide for road connections through parking reductions. until adequate secondary access is identified. Policy 4: Reduce parking requirements for appropriate types of Policy 3: Based on results of the projects (e.g. affordable housing or senior Foothills Plan, identify and protect housing); and onsite amenities such as potential rights-of-way granting access to bike racks, interior bike storage and and between foothills neighborhoods and showers for employees, or where up the canyons. employers provide employee incentives for alternative modes of transportation for Policy 41: Coordinate with Chelan commuting (cash out of parking spot, free County to develop review procedures that transit pass, etc). manage transportation impacts on the city’s network originating from projects Policy 5: Adopt parking management outside of the city and/or urban growth strategies including better signage and area. enhanced pedestrian connections to optimize existing or new public parking Policy 52: Develop secondary facilities. access to Broadview in accordance with Broadview Secondary Access Impact Fee Policy 6: Promote existing off-street Technical Memorandum dated February parking reductions for new development 2011 and implementing Resolution 2011- with access to transit or public parking 29 and Resolution 2011-30. facilities.

Goal 5 – Parking: Establish parking to Policy 7: Evaluate feasibility for be highly utilized, efficient, and safe, implementation of a fee based residential while promoting community parking permit system for overnight use of appearance and alternative modes of public parking lots within the Downtown. transportation. Policy 8: Seek to implement the code Policy 1: Coordinate parking in a related action strategies and multi-phased manner that supports and strengthens the parking management strategies of the unique character of existing and emerging Wenatchee Urban Area Comprehensive Plan 2014

Downtown Strategic Parking Management growth and development-related Plan. transportation projects.

Policy 4: Coordinate with jurisdictions GOAL 6: TRANSPORTATION DEMAND at the local, regional, and state levels to MANAGEMENT (TDM) – Modify increase funding for the regional individual travel behavior, optimize transportation system, including rail, air, the use of existing road capacity, and and non-motorized modes. encourage active forms of transportation to improve safety and Policy 5: Support transit resource efficiency, minimize environmental allocations maintaining transit services in impacts, and promote socioeconomic the community. and efforts to increase benefits. overall transit funding.

Policy 1: Adopt strategies including Policy 6: Pursue additional funding mixed land uses and parking/trip sources to implement and maintain an reduction policies that aim to maximize interconnected multi-modal transportation the efficiency of our existing system, and a model Transportation transportation system. Demand Management program. Policy 2: Design and adopt a model TDM program in partnership with major Policy 7: Utilize plans adopted by employers and institutions. reference in the Transportation Element to assist in the development of all capital Policy 3: Encourage employers to project development. adopt TDM programs by providing incentives such as reduced parking Freight ManagementGOAL 8: requirements. FREIGHT MANAGEMENT – Provide for efficient movement of freight into, within, and out of the City of GOAL 7: FUNDINGiIMPROVEMENTS Wenatchee. – Continue to pursue sufficient funding for improving, maintaining, Policy 1: Classify local streets and expanding a comprehensive according to their role in the freight transportation network. system and provide the appropriate accommodations on those routes. Policy 1: Continue Seek adequate funding for the operation of the Street Policy 2: Seek to effectively Overlay Program. communicate routing options with signs, street markings, and direct Policy 2: Fund strategic communication with the freight transportation investments prioritized by community. each project’s anticipated long-term impact to capacity levels and consistency Policy 3: Designate and implement with city policies. freight routes that complement other transportation routing options. Policy 3: Consider new funding opportunities, including the use of impact Policy 4: Make appropriate fees, and innovative public/private modifications so that all streets designated partnerships, especially in the case of as a freight route or supporting freight

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system can accommodate the appropriate design vehicle at the identified intersections.

Policy 5: Maintain signage and barriers necessary to discourage large trucks off of Riverside Drive and Wenatchee Avenue between 2nd Street and Kittitas Street. Consider the use of code requirements to further discourage trucks in these areas as may become necessary.

Policy 6: The Wenatchee Valley Urbanized Area Freight Study identifies recommendations for signage and operational capital improvements along designated freight routes. These recommendations should be considered among a range of alternatives to provide for the efficient movement of freight. Choices made by the City shall ultimately reflect an approach of implementation of the comprehensive plan as a whole, balancing and pursuing the goals and policies of the plan and encouraging neighborhood, business and community feedback and participation.

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