Road revisions set for I-90 exit

RITZVILLE - The planned construction of a new gas station at the state Highway 261-Interstate 90 interchange will bring a change in traffic flow.

During the June 20 City Council meeting, Clerk/Treasurer Julie Flyckt said the state Department of Transportation is requiring the planned Maverick gas station – as part of the company's access permit – to mitigate expected traffic issues.

The company is expected to start by constructing a four-way stop with traffic signals and a crosswalk at the intersection of West Weber Road and South Division Street (Highway 261), records show.

On the other side of the interstate, the Maverick station will be located across the road from Love's Travel Stop and next to Big Bend Electric.

An existing driveway at Love's will align with a new road, Homestead Avenue, adjacent to the Maverick lot, records show.

The gas station will be built on a short plat, or land subdivision, covering 181,175 square feet or approximately 4 acres.

If Maverick completes the road revision on the south side of the freeway as planned, that modification may eventually lead to construction of a permanent roundabout, Councilwoman Michelle Plumb said.

Meeting-attendee Derek Schafer noted that the state may require Maverick to widen the roadway and install a left-hand turn lane, as well.

"Traffic becomes congested on the westbound off ramp, especially on Sunday nights," he said. "Sometimes, it's backed up all the way to the freeway travel lanes."

Jen Verhey, owner and operator of Jen's Java Junction located next to the intersection, agreed.

"I own the coffee stand in the Conoco parking lot," she said. "I'm there 45-50 hours a week. I see the traffic backed up at that off-ramp from Friday afternoons to Sunday evenings, all weekend long. It's worse in the summer.

"A left-hand turn lane would help."

Schafer added: "Maverick is about 60% done with their traffic mitigation engineering. They won't get occupancy until the traffic improvements are finished, so they plan to begin construction late this summer.

"It's the most dangerous intersection in our community," Police Chief Dave McCormick said. "We haven't lost any lives there, yet. But it's just a matter of time.

"Each year, we respond to serious 'T-bone' accidents with rollovers at that intersection."

Councilman Scott Yaeger remained cautious, citing the need to see something in writing before proceeding.

He also sought greater clarity about maintenance responsibility for the site.

"It sounds like all of this will be engineered first," Councilman Dennis Chamberlain added. "The city may become more involved later."