Othello reviews traffic congestion

Possible changes near the post office

OTHELLO - The Othello City Council is moving forward with a plan to alleviate traffic flow on Main Street and Sixth Avenue.

The plan involves installing a left-turn lane where the center lane currently exists on Main Street at the corner near the post office and 6th Avenue, Municipal Services Coordinator Jay Van Ness said during a Monday night workshop.

The post office parking configuration paint stripe would need to be changed and the exit and the entrance needs to be swapped to accommodate the change.

Mayor Shannon McKay said the plan might reduce the number of low-impact collisions by easing traffic flow and reducing congestion near the intersection.

City Administrator Ehman Sheldon said at the time of the presentation the postmaster was not notified because they wanted to make sure the city was in favor of the plan first. He said city staff will meet with the postmaster to present the plan to see if they are in favor.

Other affected businesses near the proposed area will be notified for input, Sheldon said. The project is planned for spring.

- Staff report