by Richard Uhlhorn
Woodin Avenue Bridge project:
The Woodin Avenue Bridge issue was the top topic at the City of Chelan’s workshop on Tuesday, October 7. The workshop’s agenda was to receive a Transpo Group Inc. Traffic Study report followed by consultant KPFF, Inc. Woodin Avenue Bridge widening cost estimate findings.
City Engineer Travis Denham told the council that additional information on the bridge would be shared. Denham added that additional information on the Woodin Ave. Bridge would be shared to help traffic downtown. “It’s a great opportunity if you feel comfortable to move forward.”
Transpo group’s representative said he would talk through the traffic analysis the did on the bridge. The group looked at turning the bridge back to two-way and other potential alternatives. “We wouldn’t expect very much (traffic) change,” he said
Transpo collected data from other sources including the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council.
During months outside of the busy summer months, Transpo stated that traffic on the bridge is half of what it is during the busiest summer months with Fridays being typically the highest usage.
Bob Goedde remared that most people coming from Manson would take the bridge if it was available to them.
“This town does not want a one way bridge,” Goedde said.
“That group would have less delay,” said Denham. Mayor Erin McCardle added that with input from the community, the city is trying to give the council all the information to make a decision.
Transpo said that no special analysis has been done on cost estimates to change the bridge back to a two-way configuration.
Councilman Tim Hollingsworth noted pedestrian safety is a concern. In particular he was noting that trucks also use the bridge. “I know they are not supposed to.” Goedde has also noted that in all the time the bridge has been in use, there has never been a pedestrian accident. Hollingsworth stated that changing the bridge to an out of town configuration would benefit the Manson driving community.
“A lot of big vehicles come across that bridge. We have a lot of projects that will have an impact on it,” said Hollingsworth. Goedde suggested putting a rail on the roadside across the bridge so no pedestrian can enter the road way.
On a typical summer day, the Woodin Avenue Bridge has 4,000 vehicles while the Dan Gordon Bridge is used by 10,400 vehicles.
McCardle also stated that the bridge issue also has to be compared with other projects which led to Denham sharing the updated Six-Year Transportation Plan.
McCardle stated that the city has some time to think about the bridge while also thinking about other projects that are just as important.
City Budget Overview:
Communications Director Chad Coltman went over the upcoming budget hearings and said, “We have put a new set of eyes on the process,” Coltman stated. “We have more funds and everyone of those funds has a budget.” He continued by stating that the overall goal is to have a balanced budget. McCardle added that each department in the city has to pull together their budget. “There is a lot of work to bring this budget into line.
All Things Lake Chelan 