For those navigating the often congested State Route 162, relief might be on the horizon. An online open house by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks community input on improving this vital corridor stretching between Sumner and Orting. With average daily travel on SR 162 now peaking at 21,000 — a significant jump from 2011, drivers, and residents alike are feeling the grind of peak-hour delays and weekend traffic snarls.
WSDOT is looking to leverage both past and recent studies to draft center turn lane concepts for SR 162. In particular, their work builds on the groundwork laid by the 2017 SR 162 Corridor Study, and, the 2023 South Pierce Multimodal Connectivity Study. These initiatives aim to enhance safety and accessibility for all who share the road. The public's perspectives are essential in this process, with an invite extended to share insights from Monday, Oct. 21 to Tuesday, Nov. 12 via an online platform as per the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Participation is designed to be as seamless as possible — the digital open house operating 24/7 to fit into any schedule through Nov. 12. For those lacking broadband service, WSDOT has arranged free, temporary internet hotspots across the state. This digital inclusion ensures that the widest possible swath of community voices can be heard during the feedback phase.
