Following a citizen petition to reduce the speed limit on Shine Road from 35 mph to 25 mph, Jefferson County Public Works conducted a thorough traffic study and is moving forward with the proposed speed limit reduction. The petition, which was submitted to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on Aug 6, 2018, included signatures from 100 residents. Among the concerns listed were the narrow road width, recreational pedestrian use, and traffic during Hood Canal Bridge closures.
Shine Road has poor visibility due to its many curves. To make matters worse, it is also narrower than standard two-lane roads; much of its length is too narrow to support a centerline stripe. White edge lines were added during this year’s chip sealing season as a safety measure to emphasize that the road is not a full two lanes wide.
Heavy foot traffic is another concern on Shine Road, especially because of its narrow to nonexistent shoulder widths. Many Shine Road dwellers must cross the road to retrieve their mail or access the beach, and longer dog-walking excursions along the roadside are also common among residents.
Taking these points and traffic study findings into consideration, Public Works recommends lowering the speed limit by 10 mph. The new speed limit would be 25 mph, which is consistent with most residential streets in Jefferson County. This change would create a safer road with negligible impact to drivers: the difference in travel time between 35 mph and 25 mph is only 96 seconds for the length of Shine Road.
“Reducing the speed limit on Shine Road is long overdue,” said Monte Reinders, Jefferson County Engineer and Public Works Director. “The road is barely one and a half lanes wide and oncoming vehicles cannot even pass each other without coming to almost a complete stop in many areas.”
Residents have stated that Shine Road is frequently used as an alternate route to the Hood Canal Bridge when SR-104 is congested. While Jefferson County does not have the authority to designate public roads as “local access only,” they will work with WSDOT to discuss possible advisory signage to discourage use of this detour.
“Shine road is a rural residential street and is not intended for highway traffic and certainly isn’t designed for highway speeds. The 25 mph speed limit is warranted and appropriate,” said Jefferson County Undersheriff Art Frank of the proposed speed limit change.
A public hearing to discuss the Shine Road speed limit reduction will be held on Nov. 19, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend. Written public comment will be accepted by mail or email anytime through the close of the public hearing, addressed to the BoCC at PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368 or at jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us. The full Shine Road 2018 traffic report is available here. Call Jefferson County Public Works at 360-385-9160 or email pubworks@co.jefferson.wa.us with questions. Click here for more information about Traffic Data and Speed Limits.
About Jefferson County Public Works: Our mission in Public Works is to provide products and services that enhance the quality of life in Jefferson County. Our vision is to become a model public service provider in all that we do.
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Shine Road Traffic Study 2018
Shine Road Traffic Study 2018 - Appendices A-D2
Shine Road Exhibit A Draft Resolution
Exhibit A Speed Log