No left turns into Moses Lake Walgreens

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake will install a curb preventing people from making left turns from Stratford Road into the Walgreens parking lot.

The city council unanimously approved of the move after staff received several complaints about the safety of people turning into the store. The concrete curb will be installed in the center of the road, similar to the curb placed near Arby's on Valley Road.

Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado said the council discussed a driveway variance for Walgreens in 2004. The variance was unrelated, but it prompted a discussion about traffic in the area.

"The language I used in my cover memo, is exactly the language that's found in the minutes, in terms of where Mr. (Scott) Granger points out if it's an issue you can do this," he said. "So there was an agreement by the building owners."

Alvarado pointed out the building's owner has a bond with the city to pay for the curb if it becomes a problem.

"Last two or three months, I've been getting comments about that movement," he said. "Then in a few staff meetings the police chief and the municipal services director asked about the approval process, the language that was discussed during council."

The city isn't obligated to allow left turns from Stratford Road, Alvarado said, adding the bond should cover the entire cost of placing the curb.

Councilmember David Curnel asked Police Chief Dean Mitchell if the traffic turning right into the parking lot from Stratford Road was a problem.

"You know, it is an issue, but I think it's one that can be dealt with," Mitchell said. "The southbound traffic, in particular with the new businesses that's going to be located in the parking lot, I suspect will increase traffic flow from southbound traffic."

David Thompson, a development manager with S. E. Granger Development Group, asked the council to consider other options before putting a curb in.

"I'm not here to contest whether there is discretionary power, we did agree we would mitigate the situation," he said. "One thing I had requested was any empirical data to support the situation, and the closest I have is a brief description of what's happening at the traffic signal and also a brief description of the accident."

The reason the company wanted to keep the driveway open to left turns in 2004 was to attract Walgreens, Thompson said. Walgreens approved the site plan with the condition that the city council could stop people from making left turns from Stratford Road noted on the plan.

"So they were aware of the situation at the time," he said. "Candidly, I could tell you today, if that was on a plan the site would not be approved."

Thompson continued, asking the council to conduct a traffic study, and consider placing different kinds of barriers, such as poles or signs to restrict traffic turning left.

"The question I'm posing tonight is not, 'Can you exercise your discretion?' but 'On what basis are you exercising your discretion?'" he said. "I discussed the situation with two separate traffic engineers ... In describing the situation to them, both, independently, concurred that it is very appropriate that traffic data should be provided to look at the situation from an empirical basis."

The engineers made the suggestion for two reasons, Thompson said. The time of day could affect the problem, and other solutions might exist to stop people from turning left during those times.

Curnel questioned where signs would be placed, saying it would be difficult in the area.

"You can't put it right where people are turning," he said.

Thompson said he didn't have the solution, he just wanted more information from the city.

"David did ask me for the empirical data," Alvarado said. "There isn't any empirical data ... Really what we're falling back on is the language that was part of the approval process. There isn't anything then, in 2004, that said, 'There will be empirical data before you decide to do this.'"

Municipal Services Director Gary Harer said signs haven't worked in Moses Lake, and the poles may take care of one situation.

"The peak hour on this is from about 6:30 a.m. until about 7 p.m.," he said. "It's just steady, so there is really no good time during the day between those times to allow this."

Councilmember Dick Deane said he might have some empirical data, since he watches the intersection from his nearby house. He initially opposed closing off left turns into the store because he really wanted Walgreens in the city.

"I have the bird's-eye view of this intersection, and I will tell you that I've grabbed a hold of my coffee cup and I've wondered what's going to be the next thing, because it does occur," he said. "I will tell you that is close to a death trap."

Councilmember Richard Pearce said the city placed poles at the intersection of Valley and Stratford Roads, near Arby's, but they're gone.

"I saw people run over them," he said. "So they don't work."

He also pointed out people could turn onto Broadway Avenue to get to Walgreens and they would be a lot safer without much inconvenience. 

Mayor Jon Lane said he'd like to see some data as well, asking Thompson if he would be willing to contribute money for a traffic engineer.

Thompson said he didn't know what the process was, but he would do anything he can to participate.

"I do also believe, just like Mr. Pearce stated, that there are two lanes turning right in front of that entryway from every direction and it's really hard to get out," Lane said. "I think even if you did some kind of study, even if you did bring your engineers to look at it, I believe you would find it's not a safe thing."