Area residents encouraged to submit project proposals
VANCOUVER — Concerned residents are invited to submit proposals and champion projects for possible selection through the city of Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program marks its seventh year in 2019 and will allocate approximately $270,000 for traffic calming projects.
Pre-applications are being accepted now through May 31. Applications and more program details can be found on the city’s website: www.cityofvancouver.us/TrafficCalmingProgram.
Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program works in close partnership with the independent, resident-led Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance (NTSA). The program offers various resources and project opportunities for residents seeking to slow local traffic while creating a more livable community.
Guidelines for proposals to the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program include:
- Neighborhoods may submit only one application per program year.
- Applications will be accepted from city residents, whether representing a recognized neighborhood association or not. Applications will not be accepted from businesses, organizations/institutions, or schools; however, these entities may work with a resident and/or neighborhood association to propose a traffic calming project. All applicants are encouraged to work with their neighborhood associations on traffic calming proposals, as applicable.
- Preliminary project cost estimates will be capped at $135,000 per project.
- Infrastructure projects (speed cushions or raised crosswalks) will be limited to only residential and collector arterial streets.
- Infrastructure and radar/school zone sign projects must meet speed/volume criteria and demonstrate resident support, as applicable.
Two neighborhood projects, along Northeast 141st Avenue and Northwest Lincoln Avenue, were awarded funding as part of 2018 program. Those two projects, along with two projects that were awarded funding in 2017, are slated for construction during the summer of 2019.
Each year, the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program encourages neighborhood residents to get involved by proposing and shepherding projects through the competitive process, working closely with the NTSA and city staff as they proceed. Past projects have included signing and surface striping, speed cushions, pedestrian refuge islands, radar feedback signs, and street trees.
The anticipated $270,000 funding for the City’s 2019 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is being made available through a combination of resources, including Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and Vancouver Street Funding Strategy revenues. Vancouver’s Street Funding Strategy, a long-term solution adopted in late 2015, is designed to improve and take care of the community’s street system.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
