Milton previews 2027–2032 transportation program; public hearing set for June 15

Public Works Director Madden presented the draft 2027–2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program at the June 8 study session and told council the local TIP is required by state law and must be accepted by the council to make projects eligible for state and federal grants.

Madden said the program ties into the city’s capital improvement planning and regional funding processes and that the draft will be scheduled for a public hearing on June 15. He outlined priority projects including safety improvements near schools (Oak Street safer route), Milton Way and Porterway improvements, a network of pedestrian connections, the Taylor Street sidewalk and bike-lane backbone, and the Pack Highway East Reconstruction, a roughly $9 million grant-driven project that includes a shared-use path.

Key financial details presented included a typical city match example of $20,000 to $200,000 in grants (a 90/10 split) for school-area sidewalks; other grant programs and split percentages (TIB, RCO) were discussed for different projects. Madden said some projects are near-term and expected to be completed by 2027 while others are ongoing efforts such as citywide traffic calming and pavement overlays.

Council members asked about advertising and public notice for the June 15 public hearing; Madden said notices are posted in the newspaper, on the building front and on the city website and pointed attendees to page 12 of the packet for section 1.1 details. Council also questioned roundabout feasibility (Madden said site geometry and cost make roundabouts impractical at one Uptown intersection), how bike lanes are selected (grade and connectivity are key factors), and whether Sound Transit’s street improvements would offset city costs for some projects (Madden said Sound Transit typically funds half-street improvements and a 10-foot mixed-use facility where applicable).

Madden said the TIP also includes pedestrian crossing projects such as rapid flashing beacons, an inner urban trail link, and multiple sidewalk connection projects that together form the skeletal bike/ped network. He closed by reminding council the TIP will return June 15 for a public hearing and possible action.

The study session did not include a vote on the TIP; council will hold the required public hearing next week.