Major improvements to the intersection of Key Peninsula Highway KPN, Olson Drive KPN and Cramer Road KPN in the Key Center area of Pierce County are complete, and the public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes and will be held in the parking lot of O’Callahan’s Pub and Grill next to the intersection.
Construction on the $2.2 million project started in June. Improvements include replacement of a flashing light with a state-of- the-art traffic signal and illumination at all corners of the intersection. Left turn lanes along Key Peninsula Highway, sidewalks, guardrails, and pedestrian crossings were also constructed.
Surrounding the intersection, the roadway was widened from 24 feet to 44 feet to include paved shoulders.
“This Key Center traffic improvement serves as a prime example of community collaboration with Pierce County government to enhance the safety of vehicles and pedestrians entering the intersection,” said County Councilmember Stan Flemming (District 7). “It serves as a welcoming gateway to the beautiful Key Peninsula.”
A team of Pierce County engineers, technicians, right-of-way agents and environmental biologists began the project development process in May 2008, including comprehensive public outreach to ensure alignment with the Key Peninsula Community Plan.
“Based upon the significant input we received from the community regarding circulation and safety needs for the intersection, it is exciting to see this project come to fruition,” said Brian Stacy, Pierce County Engineer. “This is a very active community and the relationships that have been built over the years will help ensure the corridor improvements remain consistent with the vision of the community.”
Parking for the ceremony is limited. O’Callahan’s Pub and Grill, Sunnycrest Nursery and Floral, and the Roadhouse on the Hill restaurant gave permission for the public to park in their lots. People are encouraged to carpool to this event so local businesses still have plenty of parking available for their customers during the ceremony.
More information about this project is available online at http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/pwu/crp/crp5740constr.htm .
