Four Corners park-and-ride to double capacity

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By the end of June, Jefferson Transit Authority (JTA) officials hope the public will be able to use the expanded resources at the Four Corners Road Park and Ride at the intersection of State Route 20 and Four Corners Road.

Tammi Rubert, Jefferson Transit general manager, said the state Department of Transportation awarded a $1.04 million Regional Mobility Grant to the expansion project, which aims to add 50 parking spaces to the park-and-ride, doubling its existing number of 50 parking spaces.

Jefferson Transit itself was obligated to cover roughly $260,000, or 20 percent of the total $1.3 million project cost.

“This location, at State Route 20 and Four Corners Road, is a key travel corridor for residents of Jefferson County,” Rubert said. “The project was strategically placed for residents of Jefferson County who commute to Port Townsend, Seattle, and Clallam, Kitsap and Mason counties.”

The project’s goals also include adding an electric vehicle charging station, with capacity to charge two vehicles, and a covered bicycle barn, with spots for 16 bikes; there would be an equal number of lockers for cyclists to lock their bikes and personal items while they ride the bus.

The park-and-ride at 63 Four Corners Road, which also serves as JTA’s administration and maintenance facility, currently has a bicycle locker with the capacity to hold four bikes.

“We’d intended for the park-and-ride to have 100 spaces all along, but we didn’t have all the funding we would have needed,” Rubert said. “It’s very good timing. The facility was completed, and we moved in, two years ago next month, and we’ll catch the beach folks changing into their bike shoes.”

Port Angeles–based Hoch Construction was the lowest bidder at $540,000, with other bids ranging as high as $921,670. Hoch began work on the site April 19, and has already laid the foundation for the new bike barn.

With its increased capacity and existing proximity to recreational trails, including the Larry Scott Trail going into Port Townsend, Rubert sees the park-and-ride as a net gain for environmental health.

“Just think of how much we gain, when all those people are out of their cars, and using bikes or public transport instead,” Rubert said.

Rubert elaborated that the performance of this project would be measured by reviewing its use once it’s completed.

“This project is consistent with Gov. Inslee’s Executive Order 14-04 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Rubert said, adding that the vehicle trip (VT) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions are key to that executive order. “After four years in service, this facility is projected to provide a 41,600 VT reduction and a 1,372,800 VMT reduction. Reducing single-occupancy vehicles and road congestion are key components to greenhouse gas emissions, and this project will provide both benefits.”