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1. How will those on the east side of Shaw Road access our homes?

For some, the best way to access your home will be from the north end, either by using Cherokee/26th or by using Crystal Ridge. Here is a map which shows the closure area as well as which intersections will be accessible and which will not. Vehicles will be able to cross Shaw between Cherokee and 26th, and one northbound-only lane will be available from Cherokee/26th down to 23rd/Crystal Ridge Drive. We have not provided detour routes to the east of Shaw because we don't want to encourage the use of residential streets by non-residents.

2. How does the City plan to address cut-through traffic in the neighborhoods?

By placing signage out as far as 128th & Meridian, Military Road and SR162, we hope that many drivers will alter their routes at those junctions rather than continue along Shaw to the forced detour. For most folks who find themselves at the actual road closure, it will make more sense for them to use the more-or-less straight shots of either 39th/5th or Meridian to reach their destinations rather than try winding their way through the residential areas. 

We will try to discourage cut-through traffic through the neighborhoods off of Shaw. We understand the concerns of those who live near the project and we too want to limit negative impacts such as speeding.

3. When will my fence be removed and replaced?

Property owners with fences along the project will be contacted by the contractor before any fencing is removed. As fences are removed, temporary fencing will be installed as needed until the permanent fencing is done. The contractor will notify and coordinate with affected property owners at least 48 hours before any fencing is removed--please let us know if you require more lead time or if you have concerns about this work being done during any particular timeframe.

4. How will customers of Creative Dry Storage access our stored items?

Access to Creative Storage, 3221 Shaw Road, will be assured throughout the project's duration. Ingress and egress will either be by the current access point or from a newly created driveway off of 33rd; we will use signage to make it clear as you approach from 39th whether access will be directly off of Shaw or via the new driveway.

5. Why will this project cost so much, and take so long?

This project underwent a competitive bidding process as required by state law. It may seem a small project due to the length of road that will be involved, but here is the bid tab which lists the hundreds of components that will be done. The contract for this project was awarded to the low bidder.

We estimate it will take six to eight months from beginning to completion. Like everyone else, we also would like to see it finished sooner rather than later, so long as everything is done right--that is, and must be, our #1 priority.

6. Can the timing of the signal at Military Road and SR162 be adjusted to accommodate increased volume while Shaw Road is closed?

This signal is owned and operated by the state. We have contacted WSDOT's traffic signal division to explain what is happening and they will look into what adjustments can be made to help alleviate the back-ups that were occurring at the project's outset.

7. Can the City install a temporary signal at 23rd/7th during this project?

The City will not be installing a temporary traffic signal at this intersection, due to the expense and also because 4-way stops are very safe, if not as efficient as signals. We know the volume has increased at this intersection due to the closure; however, the additional delay is likely not more than 5-10 minutes. As always, patience is much appreciated.

8. Will Shaw Road have a middle turn lane between 23rd and Manorwood?

Yes, it will. The whole point of this project was to facilitate left-hand turns, and that is being done. The middle turn lane will be installed wherever there is a street to turn left onto; where there is no street to turn left onto, medians will be constructed.

9. Is there enough roadway for two through lanes and the new center lane?

Yes. The north- and southbound through travel lanes will each be 11-feet wide and the turn lane will be 12-feet wide. These widths are in accordance with federal transportation criteria as well as the City of Puyallup’s own roadway design standards.

10. Why is the new Shaw Road “bumpy”?

This project reconstructed Shaw Road from 23^rd to Manorwood using pervious concrete. Some drivers have noticed the presence of joints where the concrete was scored between the new panels to allow for their natural expansion and contraction. This was done to ensure that any cracking happens at these specific locations rather than elsewhere in the panels. Drivers may feel and hear these joints as their vehicles pass over them.

11. Why was permeable pavement used to reconstruct Shaw Road?

Replacing impervious material with permeable pavement is a newer method of managing stormwater and its negative effects. Stormwater runoff includes both rain and water from other sources (e.g., landscape watering and home car washing). Stormwater absorbs pollutants such as oil, fertilizers and other chemicals from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, sidewalks and roads. The water is not treated, and most runoff is directed into the city’s storm system of drains, ditches and pipes and eventually discharged into local waterways. Some of our local waterways—Clarks Creek and the Puyallup River, to name two—are native salmon habitats.

Permeable pavement is an effective way to retain stormwater on-site and keep it from carrying toxic material into our waterways. Managing stormwater where it originates also helps reduce the chance of localized flooding.

12. Why are some of the new crossing signals not operational?

Necessary equipment was ordered from one of the largest pole manufacturers in the country, which subsequently ceased its operations--placing stress on the other manufacturers to keep up with demand for street light poles and signal poles nationwide. We expect the parts to arrive in March, after which they will be installed as soon as possible.

13. Is the new road more slippery or slick when wet?

Some citizens have asked about the new surface on this section of Shaw Road. Although pervious concrete is a different material than regular asphalt, we know of no demonstrated difference in the friction produced by these materials.

As far as traction goes, all wet roads negatively impact tire traction. Another factor affecting traction is the condition of a vehicle’s tires. Proper tire inflation is also critical as it improves traction while improper inflation degrades traction.

Traction is additionally affected by driving speed. Because skidding can result from taking a corner at too high of a speed, turning speeds should be reduced when roads are wet.

Barring the presence of snow or ice, cars should not be spinning out nor motorcycles losing grip on this section of Shaw due to simply wet conditions. In fact, we’ve not received any documented reports of this happening over the past two months the road has been open.