Washington 2008 Five Percent Report
This report is in response to the Federal requirement that each state describe at least 5 percent of its locations currently exhibiting the most severe highway safety needs, in accordance with Sections 148(c)(1)(D) and 148(g)(3)(A), of Title 23, United States Code. Each state's report is to include potential remedies to the hazardous locations identified; estimated costs of the remedies; and impediments to implementation of the remedies other than costs. The reports included on this web site represent a variety of methods utilized and various degrees of road coverage. Therefore, this report cannot be compared with the other reports included on this Web site.
Protection from Discovery and Admission into Evidence—Under 23 U.S.C. 148(g)(4) information collected or compiled for any purpose directly relating to this report shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or addressed in the reports. |
Additional information, including the specific legislative requirements, can be found in the guidance provided by the Federal Highway Administration,
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/safetealu/fiveguidance.htm.
5% Report
Washington State Report
FFY 08
Collision Analysis Capabilities
Washington state presently has a statewide collision records system that contains data from 2001 forward for all reported collisions on public roads, including: federal, state, tribal, city, and county jurisdictions. By state law, all collisions involving an injury or more than $700 damage have to be reported to the state via an officer's report or by the citizen driving the vehicle involved in the collision.
We have roadway geometric and traffic data information available on the state highway system that allows us to do a statistically valid analysis. Our level of geometric and traffic data for city, tribal, and county roads is significantly less. Therefore, our ability to do a similar type of statewide analysis on all public roadways is not possible at this time, due to the lack of complete and comprehensive vehicle miles of travel and other exposure measures for these jurisdictions.
At the present time, the analysis provided here focuses primarily on state highways. However, efforts have been implemented to begin to identify a statewide, all public roads approach to traffic safety. One of the methodologies developed includes using fatal and serious injury crashes only. This determination is based on the focus of the state's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This statewide analysis of fatal and serious injury collisions is being evaluated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify high frequency locations across all jurisdictions. The specific methods for identifying these high frequency locations is segregated between state, county, and city jurisdictions.
Status of Data
The following tables (last 4 pages) show the top 5% of collision locations, based on total societal cost, on Washington state routes using existing crash location and crash corridor methodologies (top 5% from each methodology are included). As data becomes available in the future, a statewide (all public roads) analysis will be completed, as described above.
Current Methodology to Identify Crash Locations and Crash Corridors
What is a crash location?
Every two years, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) identifies those state highway locations that have experienced a higher than normal rate of severe collisions based on the two most current years of data. These crash locations are then used to prioritize and plan the funding of highway safety projects. Each of the six WSDOT regions receives a list of their locations, and is then tasked to analyze each location to determine collision causes and solutions. The locations are used by state officials to propose construction projects for consideration by WSDOT executives and the Governor, and by traffic engineers to identify possible operational fixes to improve roadway safety.
What is a crash corridor?
Crash corridors are continuous one mile segments of state highway that exceed state averages for similar highways in terms of the number and severity of collisions per mile. As with the crash locations, crash corridors are also produced every two years. Crash corridors, however, are based on the previous five years of data.
How are crash locations determined?
Each highway is broken down into one-tenth of a mile segments, and every collision that occurs is recorded and attributed to the corresponding highway segment. A numerical value is given for the incident based on the severity of the collision. This value, along with the annual average daily traffic volume for that segment, is used to calculate a severity rate. The segment's severity rate is then compared against an average severity rate for highways of similar classifications, and those segments whose severity rate exceeds the average by a statistically significant amount are included on the Crash Location list.
- Fatality and disabling crashes have the highest numerical value
What happens when a crash location or crash corridor is listed?
The first thing that happens is an analysis to find out what is the underlying cause. Engineers will determine if there is a problem with the roadway itself - such as poor visibility, a sharp curve, a poorly placed intersection - and then identify possible solutions to fix the problem.
In cases of a crash corridor, WSDOT may join with the community to implement a Corridor Safety Project that may include operational roadway fixes (engineering), greater police enforcement (to address speeding, DUI, and other issues) and public education.
Projects that eliminate the most crashes per dollars spent are the ones that have priority for funding. In this way, WSDOT addresses the worst of the worst first.
Top 5% Collision Locations (2007-2009)
| Rank | Location | Fatal and Serious Injury Collisions | Total Collisions | Societal Cost Per Year (Millions) | Current Approach or Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SR 7 Parkland - Vicinity 131st St S to Vicinity 108th St S | 7 | 316 | $7.4 | Construct sidewalks, retaining walls, lighting, upgrade signal systems and consolidate highway approach points. |
| 2 | I-5 Vicinity Tacoma - Vicinity S of SR 16 to Vicinity N of Pacific Ave | 2 | 366 | $4.7 | This location will be addressed as part of the core HOV. |
| 3 | I-405 Renton - W Valley Highway to Maple Valley Highway | 3 | 192 | $3.6 | Construct one additional NB general purpose lane from SR 181 to SR 167 and SB from SR 169 to SR 167. The SB HOV lane on SR 167 will be extended north to I-405. |
| 4 | I-5 Vicinity Tacoma - NB Collector Distributor at 38th St Interchange | 2 | 170 | $3.1 | This location will be addressed as part of the core HOV. |
| 5 | SR 531 Arlington/Smokey Point - 33rd Ave Vicinity to 40th Ave NE | 4 | 132 | $3.1 | Replace existing two way left turn lane (TWLTL) between 33rd Ave and 43rd Ave NE with left turn lanes, traffic curbing, and raised traffic islands. Construct a bus pullout/U-turn pocket at the SE corner of the SR 531/Smokey Point Blvd intersection. |
| 6 | I-5 Vicinity Seattle - NE Northgate Way | 4 | 47 | $2.8 | Remove the existing rolled gutters and curbing on the SB off ramp to EB Northgate Way. Resurface existing roadway pavement. |
| 7 | SR 161 Puyallup/South Hill - 128th to 176th | 2 | 159 | $2.6 | Construct sidewalks, continuous lighting, consolidate approaches and bus pullouts. |
| 8 | SR 7 Parkland - Vicinity Pacific Ave to Vicinity 171st St S | 2 | 143 | $2.7 | Construct sidewalks, retaining walls, lighting, upgrade signal systems and consolidate highway approach points. |
| 9 | I-205 Vicinity Vancouver - SE Mill Plain Blvd Under Crossing | 3 | 82 | $2.5 | Construct a new NB off ramp and SB on ramp at 18th St and connecting roads. |
| 10 | US 395 Vicinity Kennewick - Vicinity N of Columbia Dr to Vicinity Lewis St | 1 | 172 | $2.3 | Install variable message sign. |
| Reconfigure the interchange. | |||||
| 11 | SR 900 Tukwila - Vicinity E & W of S Ryan Way | 3 | 48 | $2.1 | Relocate signs and consider adding flashers to them. Check the signal detection system and repair or replace any part of the system as needed. Signal ahead flashers work is in progress by Electrical Design. Sound Transit is constructing light rail and will replace the detection loops. |
| 12 | US 101 Olympia/Tumwater - Vicinity Crosby Blvd to Vicinity Deschutes Parkway | 2 | 90 | $2.0 | Install median crossover protection. |
| 13 | SR 7 Parkland - Vicinity 159th St S to Vicinity W of 143rd St S | 0 | 166 | $1.9 | Construct retaining walls and sidewalks. Illumination will be evaluated later. |
| 14 | SR 307 N of Poulsbo - Vicinity NE Gunderson Rd to Vicinity Stottlemeyer Rd | 3 | 21 | $1.8 | Install left turn lanes and illumination. |
| 15 | SR 528 Marysville - Vicinity W of 4th St to Vicinity Quinn St | 1 | 139 | $1.8 | Asphalt overlay and restriping. The signal timing was evaluated and modified and signals were coordinated in cooperation with City of Marysville and Snohomish County. Advance guide signing installed on SR 528 for I-5. Paver scheduled for 2008. |
| 16 | SR 99 Seattle - Vicinity Western Ave Off Ramp | 3 | 14 | $1.8 | Included in the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project. |
| 17 | SR 18 Auburn - SR 18 WB On Ramp Vicinity W Valley Hwy | 3 | 16 | $1.8 | Proposed ramp resurfacing. Evaluate signing for size and reflectivity and warning signs. WSDOT NW Traffic addressed this by multiple signing changes and advising the WSP of DWI enforcement need. Illumination is on schedule for being evaluated. Add ramp/mainline gore area paint/raised pavement marking chevrons. No Parking/Tow Away Zones are being implemented on SR 18 and planned for SR 167. |
| 18 | SR 14 Cape Horn - Vicinity E of Salmon Falls Rd | 3 | 9 | $1.7 | Realign a portion of the roadway and add turning lanes at Salmon Falls Rd. |
| 19 | I-5 Tacoma - SR 16 WB Off Ramp | 1 | 154 | $1.7 | It is anticipated that the Tacoma HOV project will address this location. |
| 20 | SR 522 Kenmore - Vicinity 65th Ave NE to Vicinity 68th Ave NE | 2 | 78 | $1.7 | Evaluate access management. Add a second left turn lane at 61st Ave NE & 68th Ave NE, construct curb and gutter, medians, and sidewalk. |
| 21 | US 2 E of Elk - Vicinity Oregon Rd | 3 | 6 | $1.7 | Construct left turn channelization and flatten slope at intersection to increase sight distance. |
| 22 | SR 539 Bellingham - Vicinity Meridian St to Vicinity Prince Ave | 0 | 185 | $1.7 | Revise signal at the I-5 NB ramps. Consider revising striping right turns from the off ramp. Evaluate eliminating left turns at Telegraph Rd. City responsible for striping. |
| 23 | SR 509 Burien - Vicinity SR 509/SW 148th St Interchange | 2 | 55 | $1.6 | Construct new signal. Revise left turn lane from WB SR 518 to SB SR 509. |
| 24 | SR 16 Tacoma - I-5 / Sprague Ave | 1 | 113 | $1.6 | Add HOV lanes. |
| 25 | SR 520 Seattle - Vicinity SR 513 / Lake Washington Blvd | 1 | 101 | $1.6 | Addressed in the SR 520 Bridge Replacement Project. |
| 26 | SR 167 Vicinity Tacoma - Intersection Frontage Road - E 28th St S of E T St | 2 | 34 | $1.5 | A signal was installed at the intersection of SR 167 / E 28th St. The Traffic Office, the HOV office, the Puyallup Tribe, and the City of Tacoma are developing traffic flow plans for the SR 167/Bay St interchange area. |
| 27 | SR 20 Sedro-Woolley - Vicinity E of W State St to Vicinity Harrison St | 2 | 47 | $1.6 | Install lane use signs. Review under way for right turn lane converting to thru and right turn to Ferry St. Installed lane use signs, reviewed signal timing and added follow-thru displays. Access management consolidated access points at this location. |
| 28 | SR 512 Lakewood - Lakewood to Vicinity Steel St | 0 | 138 | $1.5 | Traffic Operations has reduced the speed limit in this area. The ultimate solution for this location is a freeway to freeway interchange with flyover ramps. |
| 29 | SR 9 Vicinity Lake Stevens - Vicinity Lundeen Parkway | 2 | 32 | $1.5 | Signal at 56th & channelization. |
| 30 | SR 526 Everett - Vicinity S Broadway Ave | 2 | 38 | $1.4 | Reconfigure WB SR 527 to NB Broadway by revising signing and striping. Revised signing on EB SR 526 approaching Broadway. Reviewed signal phase timing. Back plates installed on signal heads. |
Top 5% Collision Corridors (2007-2009)
Data from 1/1/00 - 12/31/04
| Rank | Location | Fatal and Disabling Injury Collisions | Total Collisions | Societal Cost Per Year (Millions) | Current Approach or Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US 101 Olympia/Tumwater - Vicinity Cooper Pt Rd to Vicinity Deschutes Parkway | 6 | 268 | $2.4 | Install cable median barrier. |
| 2 | I-5 Vicinity Lynnwood - Vicinity N of Maple Rd to Vicinity 164th St SW | 5 | 273 | $2.2 | It is anticipated that the recently completed SB and the under construction NB paving projects as well as the completed direct access loop ramp at 164th St SW will address this location. Transportation Partnership Act (TPA) safety work included guardrail and signing. |
| 3 | I-5 Lynnwood - Vicinity N of Poplar Way to Vicinity N of 28th Ave W | 4 | 296 | $2.1 | It is anticipated that the recently completed SB and the under construction NB paving projects as well as the completed direct access loop ramp at 164th St SW will address this location. TPA safety work included guardrail and signing. |
| 4 | I-5 SeaTac, Kent - Pierce Co. Line to Tukwila I/C-Stage 5, NB HOV from S 272nd to S 200th | 4 | 277 | $2.1 | It is anticipated that the HOV project will address this location. |
| 5 | SR 20 Sedro-Woolley - Sapp Rd to Reed St | 5 | 171 | $1.8 | Widen SR 20 to provide a two way left turn lane (TWLTL) at the Reed St intersection. |
| 6 | SR 527 Mill Creek - 164th St SE to 132nd St SE | 4 | 109 | $1.3 | It is anticipated that the widening to five lanes will address this location. |
| 7 | SR 9 SW of Lake Stevens - 56th St SE and 42nd St NE | 2 | 153 | $1.2 | Add a signal and/or extend right turn pockets at the 56th St SE intersection. Add illumination and left and right turn lanes to the 42nd St NE intersection. |
| 8 | I-5 Kelso - North Castle Rock Vicinity to SR 505 Vicinity | 7 | 56 | $1.2 | Upgrade safety items such as signing, roadway lighting, guardrail, bridge rail, concrete barrier end treatments and lane striping. Evaluate the safety of ramp connections providing protection from roadside hazards. |
| 9 | I-90 E of North Bend | 4 | 70 | $1.2 | Region analyzing possible solutions to address this location. |
| 10 | US 101 Port Angeles - Vicinity Jones St to E 1st St | 3 | 111 | $1.2 | Traffic Operations will address operational work and access management. |
| 11 | SR 160 S Port Orchard - Vicinity Long Lake Rd SE to Vicinity Mayvolt Rd SE | 4 | 46 | $1.1 | Eliminate the 11% vertical grade. |
| 12 | I-82 Vicinity NE of Yakima - Vicinity Selah Creek Rest Areas | 4 | 41 | $1.1 | The regional Traffic Office performed an operational analysis of the location. As a result one sign was relocated the size of an advisory sign was increased. |
| 13 | I-5 Vicinity Arlington - Vicinity Exiting the City of Arlington to Vicinity N of King Thompsen Rd | 3 | 72 | $1.0 | Rebuild bridge over I-5 at 172nd St NE (SR 531), modify and reinstall median cable barrier throughout the corridor limits (changed to concrete barrier), modify interchange, and overlay through this location. |
| 14 | US 2 Vicinity E of Stevens Pass in King County | 4 | 38 | $1.0 | Installed six variable speed limit signs. Will install cantilever sign structures. May install conduit crossing at these locations as part of the 2007 paving project. |
| 15 | US 2 Vicinity Elk - Vicinity E and W of Oregon Rd | 5 | 37 | $1.0 | Restripe roadway, providing left turn channelization at Oregon Rd and do some slope flattening around the intersection. |
| 16 | SR 515 Vicinity Kent - Vicinity SE 240th St to SE 224th St | 3 | 50 | $0.9 | It is anticipated the overlay will address this location. Annual striping is complete. |
| 17 | I-5 Vicinity Kalama - Vicinity Elm St to Vicinity Oak St | 3 | 48 | $0.8 | Maintenance has previously addressed this corridor. Traffic Operations to provide some low cost visibility enhancements. Region will continue to monitor. |
| 18 | SR 203 S of Duvall - Vicinity NE 124th St | 3 | 41 | $0.8 | Construct roundabout. |
| 19 | SR 20 S of Oak Harbor - Vicinity Monroe Landing Rd to Vicinity Miller Rd | 3 | 37 | $0.8 | Modify the highway alignment, remove trees and relocate utility pole. |
| 20 | SR 542 E of Bellingham - Vicinity Kelley Rd to Vicinity Cedarville Rd | 3 | 37 | $0.8 | Shoulder and intersection work. |
| 21 | SR 507 Vicinity Roy - Vicinity 336th St S to Vicinity 312th St S | 3 | 35 | $0.8 | Install centerline rumble strips. |
| 22 | SR 542 Vicinity Bellingham - Vicinity Britton Rd to Vicinity Van Wyck Rd | 3 | 37 | $0.8 | Striping work for non-parking area on the NE corner of SR 542 and Noon Rd. Replace damaged or missing guide posts. Evaluate lighting and access at Van Wyk Rd and Noon Rd. |
| 23 | US 2 Gold Bar - Vicinity 387th Ave SE to Vicinity 9th St | 3 | 36 | $0.8 | Striping, including TWLTL arrows and evaluated signing. Arrows were upgraded and signing was adequate based on field evaluation. Centerline rumble strips will be added April 2008. |
| 24 | SR 26 Othello - Vicinity Washington St to Vicinity SR 17 NB On-Ramp | 3 | 17 | $0.8 | Install flashing beacons on the stop signs at the cross streets to alert vehicles to stop before crossing SR 26. Install lighting at Reynolds Rd/Washington St. Channelization is scoped but unfunded. |
| 25 | SR 202 - Vicinity Sammamish - Vicinity 244th Ave NE to Vicinity Patterson Creek | 3 | 23 | $0.8 | Add a permanent signal. Add channelization to the 244th intersection. Installed additional and upgraded existing guideposts. Installation of a TWLTL for businesses is pending and was forwarded to SR 202 Corridor Study for possible future project identification. |
| 26 | SR 305 Vicinity N of Bainbridge Island - Vicinity S of Laura Loop Rd to Vicinity S of George Ln NE | 3 | 29 | $0.8 | Repaved this area of SR 305. Traffic Operations worked in conjunction with the paver to incorporate TWLTL channelization. Region in the process of reducing the existing 55mph to proposed 45mph. The Suquamish Tribe relocated their Tribal Center on Sandy Hook Road to Suquamish Way and directional signing on SR 305 was changed to reflect the new location. |
| 27 | SR 300 Vicinity Belfair - NE Lornalee Way to Vicinity Gladwin Rd | 3 | 24 | $0.8 | Portions of this corridor will be addressed by the Roadside Safety Project scheduled in April 2008. |
| 28 | SR 28 E of Ephrata - Vicinity E of Ephrata to Vicinity Martin Rd | 3 | 16 | $0.8 | Centerline and shoulder rumble strips installed, slope flattening, recessed pavement markers installed, rock blasting to remove snagging potential, and adding a left and right turn lane to intersection at county road. |
| 29 | SR 115 Vicinity Oyhut - Vicinity Point Brown Ave to Vicinity Ocean City State Park | 3 | 19 | $0.8 | Provide clear zone work and ditch slope flattening, increase curve radius, and provide TWLTL. |
| 30 | SR 20 Vicinity W of Anacortes - Vicinity Tibbles Ln to Anacortes | 3 | 33 | $0.8 | Recommendation to close the Miller Rd intersection and evaluate for restriping a NB left turn lane. The safety project will address realignment, widening the shoulders, access management, channelization and clear zone work. |
