Thoughts on roundabouts? Crosswalks? Olympia wants to hear them

The city of Olympia is preparing its first transportation master plan that will outline the next 20 years of work on the city’s sidewalks, roundabouts, bike lanes and other road features.

The city already has a comprehensive plan that addresses transportation, along with a capital facilities plan that covers six years worth of work.

The master plan will take a longer view, prioritizing future projects as the city looks to accommodate a growing population while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

The city is asking for feedback on the plan through a survey on the city’s website that closes Monday.

It is not clear how statewide voter approval of Initiative 976 — which is being challenged in court and would cost the city $1.5 million a year it uses for road repairs and reconstruction — would affect the long-range plan.

The city estimates that street reconfiguration projects would be most impacted, while state grants that go toward roundabouts, crosswalks, public transit and other things also could be cut.

The city typically has an annual budget of about $6.5 million for the types of projects included in the transportation master plan.

The plan is expected to go to the City Council to be finalized in mid 2020.