Input sought on Waaga Way interchange proposal

The transportation committee for the Central Kitsap Community Council is meeting from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Evergreen Room in the Silverdale Community Center to take public input on the revised State Route 3/303 interchange project. The interchange’s design was altered to handle more traffic volumes.

The old design, which has been on the shelf for about five years, would have widened the Clear Creek/Kitsap Mall overpass and Clear Creek road. A ramp connecting northbound SR 3 and eastbound SR 303 would have been constructed.

Now the plans include widening the SR 303 overpass over SR 3 to the equivalent of six lanes where traffic will converge at a signal. There traffic from southbound SR 3 can go east or west on SR 303 and traffic from Kitsap Mall Boulevard can connect to northbound SR 3. A new ramp will be built on northbound SR 3 to intersect with Kitsap Mall Boulevard. A second ramp will provide a direct link to eastbound SR 303. The existing ramp linking Kitsap Mall Boulevard and northbound SR 3 would be removed.

Signals would be placed at Kitsap Mall Boulevard and the new offramp, Clear Creek Road and the new road section, and the expanded overpass on 303. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2005.

The Clear Creek overpass would not be changed. According to plans Clear Creek Road would be shifted to intersect with the new section of road that will connect SR 303 to Kitsap Mall Boulevard.

The new interchange is expected to ease traffic congestion at Kitsap Mall and handle projected traffic flows through 2030.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.