Wing Point Way to get new bike lanes

Bicycle commuters will soon see improvements on Wing Point Way, from Park Avenue to Ferncliff Avenue.

Bicycle commuters will soon see improvements on Wing Point Way, from Park Avenue to Ferncliff Avenue.

The Bainbridge Island City Council unanimously approved a project design at Monday’s meeting that will bring sidewalk improvements, bike climbing lanes and improved roadway surfacing and storm water drainage to the road.

“We really looked for opportunity to not only facilitate all the required grant elements but also make the sidewalk as contiguous as possible,” said Jesse Garcia of HDR Inc.

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In a presentation at the council’s March 17 meeting, Garcia explained that in addition to new sidewalks, the new roadway will separate bike and motorized traffic at the climbing elements of the road.

“It was observed that folks cycling down about 70-percent grade roughly go about the same speed as traffic,” Garcia said.

Once cyclists reach the road’s hill climbs and slow down, though, they will be able to slide over and use the bike lane.

Demi Allen of the city’s Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee explained that the group had reviewed the project plans and were satisfied with the new roadway design.

“While it’s not ideal … given the constraints that exist it’s the best solution available,” Allen said.

The design team is scheduled to complete 90 percent of the design by the end of the year to be in a position to begin construction by the summer of 2016.

The city will be utilizing the Federal Surface Transportation Grant for the design at $303,398.