Plans, Studies & Data

Learn about Public Works recent Transportation plans and studies. Below you will find information on Olympia's Comprehensive Plan, Olympia's Downtown Streetscape Strategy, Boulevard Road,  West Bay Drive, Capitol Way, and Harrison Avenue. We also have information, to the right, on the West Olympia Access Study, and our Six-year Transportation Improvement Plan.

Olympia Comprehensive Plan:

The Olympia Comprehensive Plan describes the vision and goals for Olympia's transportation system. Click to view the Comp Plan.

Transportation Mobility Strategy:

City Council reviewed and accepted the Transportation Mobility Strategy on August 4, 2009.  Use the following link to view or download a printable copy of the Transportation Mobility Strategy.

Bike Master Plan:

The Bike Master Plan was accepted by the City Council on December 15, 2009.  The Bike Master Plan guides Olympia in making bicycling a safe and inviting mode of transportation.   

Olympia Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Plan:

The 2006 Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Efficiency Act (RCW 70.94.521) requires local governments in counties with the greatest automobile-related air pollution and traffic congestion to develop and implement plans to reduce single-occupant vehicle commute trips. The Olympia CTR Plan recommends strategies and asserts goals for reducing commute trips and vehicle miles traveled on both regional and local levels for the timeframe of 2008 to 2011. The plan includes jurisdiction-adopted goals and policies, requirements of affected employers, facility and service improvements, and marketing strategies.

Annual Concurrency Report:

The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that the City prohibit development approval, if the development causes the Level of Service (LOS) on a transportation facility to decline below standards adopted in the Olympia Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan), unless transportation improvements or strategies are concurrent with the development accommodating the impacts. "Concurrent with the development" means that there is a plan in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years. This report reconfirms impacts of development and the need for CFP transportation capacity improvements to occur with development over the next six years.

View the 2009 Annual Concurrency Report

Olympia's Downtown Streetscape Strategy Report:

This report describes a design template of streetscape improvement for the downtown. These are improvements that would be made within the public right of way. These improvements will be implemented over time, and will help to achieve the vision and goals of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan for the downtown.

East Downtown Streetscape:

This report defines specific streetscape improvements for 4th, State, Cherry, Chestnut, and Legion in the East Downtown. This plan was approved by Council in August, 2006. These improvements will be incorporated into the City's street standards to guide public and privately funded improvements to these streets. Download a copy of the East Downtown Streetscape Plan.

Olympia Sidewalk Program Report:

A long term prioritized list of needed sidewalks on major streets. Download the Sidewalk Program Report.

Downtown Commuter Program:

A grant-funded program to further develop commute trip reduction plans for downtown. Download the GTEC Plan.

Downtown Parking Management Strategy Update Study:

A plan for managing on-street parking. Download the Study.

Downtown Parking and TDM Plan:

A plan for managing off-street parking and other elements of Transportation Demand Management. Download the Plan.

Thurston Regional Trails Plan:

This plan offers a vision for a region-wide trail network that connects people with places not just within Thurston County, but also looks beyond its borders for potential connections with neighboring counties. It illustrates through maps and user-friendly narratives how multiple trails can connect. The plan invites all local governments, tribes, federal and state agencies, advocates, and public and private stakeholders to share a role in developing this trail network. Collaboration is essential to connect the planned, proposed, and potential trail corridors identified in the plan. Learn more.

Six-year Transportation Improvement Program:

Each of the cities and counties in the state of Washington are required to update their Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) every year. The updated program for the years 2011-2016 is now complete.

The TIP identifies current transportation system needs. Projects in future years are identified based on projected growth, as identified in the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.

Projects in the TIP are listed in the following order:

1. Projects where federal or state funds have not been obligated in alphabetical order;
2. Capacity projects (transportation projects funded by Transportation Impact Fees) we expect to apply for grants starting with City Council stated priority projects listed first;
3. Annual programs/projects in alphabetical order; and
4. Parks, Arts and Recreation projects in alphabetical order.

For more information on the TIP, please contact Randy Wesselman at 360.753.8477 or by email.

Print or review the 2011-2016 TIP.

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Studies:

Below you will find information on various Transportation-related studies, including the Boulevard Road, Capitol Way, and Harrison Avenue Corridor Studies.

Neighborhood Connections Study:

Neighborhood connections may be defined as bicycle and pedestrian "pathways" that connect adjoining neighborhoods and streets. Those benefiting include school children walking to and from school; commuters walking to and from a bus stop; dog walkers and runners looking for a safe route away from traffic; or cyclists connecting quiet streets with lower levels of traffic. Down load the Neighborhood Connections Study.

Median Study:

The purpose of the Median Study is to identify where medians would be desirable when roadway improvements are made. The Council accepted this study as a tool for future decisions on constructing medians, in November 2003.

Boulevard Road:

This study defines the ultimate street width and features for Boulevard Road between Pacific Avenue and Yelm Highway.

Council Action Taken:

In April 2006, City Council accepted the Boulevard Road Corridor Study report as a record of the public process, approved the preferred alternative, and directed staff to seek funding for the project. We received grant funding for this project in November 2006.

Study Recommendations:

This study recommended roundabouts for Log Cabin Road, Morse-Merryman Road, and 22nd Avenue.

West Bay Drive:

This study defines the ultimate street width and features for West Bay Drive.

Council Action Taken:

In May, 2005, the City Council accepted this study as a record of public discussion and documentation of the preferred cross-section for the street. The width and features of the preferred cross-section will be incorporated into the City's street standards to guide public and privately funded improvements to the street.

Capitol Way:

This study evaluated improvements to Capitol Way from 14th Avenue to Carlyon Avenue.

Council Action Taken:

In June 2006, City Council decided on a package of improvements to this four-lane cross section.

Harrison Avenue:

This study examined the need for, and timing of, improvements to Harrison Avenue from Kaiser Road to Yauger Way.

Council Action Taken:

In June 2006, City Council accepted the Harrison Avenue Corridor Study report as a record of public discussion.

Study Recommendations:

Based on the study recommendations, City Council decided to implement a 4-5 vehicle lane arterial street cross-section for Harrison Avenue, between Kaiser Road and Yauger Way, and directed staff to consider the project for 2006 transportation grant funding.

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Contacting Public Works:

• Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
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