Public Works
Chelan County Safety
Chelan County Transportation Planning & Safety
Chelan County Public Works staff is developing and updating two transportation planning documents for the County:
The project team is currently reviewing existing transportation and safety data to identify needs and gaps in the transportation network and refining transportation policies for incorporation into the plans. Throughout the summer, input from the community will be gathered through several online and in-person methods to inform the development of the two plans.
Community Engagement
It's important we hear from you! Everyone in Chelan County uses the transportation system, and that experience is valuable insight into how planning and safety can move forward. How are we gathering voices?
1. During our outreach window, the team will be doing the following to capture as many voices that we can from those who live, work, play and learn in Chelan County:
- Gather Survey Responses We have a bilingual survey available online NOW to share your thoughts and feedback on the County’s transportation network. The survey includes a map where you can identify specific locations for transportation improvements. The feedback gathered will feed directly into the development of the plans.
- Stakeholder Interviews These will be conducted with people, groups and agencies that build, maintain, operate or have a transportation service that serves the Chelan County area.
- Community Events Find the outreach team at various community events throughout Chelan County. The team will have a table with interactive activities, hardcopy surveys and additional information such as posters and maps. Stop by and discuss the plans in-person!
- Tabling Events The outreach team wants to make sure it is available to all communities of Chelan County and will be working with local partners to set up information tables at various locations to provide the same opportunities as a tabling event.
2. Extending to mid-September, the outreach team is interviewing stakeholders, attending events and partnering with local organizations to collect feedback from the community. The following geographic priority areas have been established to ensure community members in all areas of the county are reached for feedback:
- Manson/Stehekin
- Ardenvoir/Entiat
- Wenatchee/Malaga/Mission
- Cashmere/Peshastin/Leavenworth
- Plain/Merritt/Stevens
3. It's important we meet people out in the community. We held three introduction meetings in May around the county. We plan to attend July 4th events, National Night Out in August, the Chelan County Fair, and a variety of farmers markets and back-to-school events. We're even going to be in Stehekin.
The following dates or locations are confirmed:
- Touratech Rally West: June 26-29 in Plain
- Chelan County Fair: Sept. 4-7 in Cashmere
Check back for future events. We will also list them in our newsletter and on the Public Works Facebook page.
What is a Safety Action Plan?
A Safety Action Plan (SAP) is a comprehensive safety planning document aimed at identifying ways to eliminate or reduce serious-injury and fatal collisions along the County’s roadways. The plan aligns with the State’s Target Zero plan which sets the goal of reducing the number of traffic deaths and serious injuries on Washington’s roadway to zero by 2030. The plan also support the County’s goal to provide a transportation network which can be shared safely by all users.
The plan is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program and is guided by the Safe Systems Approach. This holistic approach strives to establish multiple layers of protection within the transportation system to reduce the number of crashes that occur and minimize injuries when they do. The Safe Systems Approach, as outlined in Target Zero, incorporates the following objectives:
- Safer Road Users
- Safer Land Use
- Safer Vehicles
- Safer Speeds
- Safer Roads
- Post-Crash Care
More resources related to the Safety Action Plan can be found at the links below:
Washington State Target Zero
Safe Street for All (SS4A): Program Factsheet (PDF)
Safe Systems Approach: What is a Safe System approach?
What is a Transportation Element?
The Transportation Element (TE) is a chapter in the Comprehensive Plan that focuses on evaluating needs and identifying the 20-year vision for the transportation network within the county. It is a mandatory component of the Comprehensive Plan (RCW 36.70A.70) and establishes the framework for achieving a safe and efficient transportation network for all travel modes through 2046.
The overarching vision for Chelan County is to provide a safe, balanced and efficient multimodal transportation system that is consistent with the County’s overall vision and adequately serves anticipated growth. This vision is supported and advanced by the following six goals:
- Maintain What We Have: Maintain existing transportation facilities in a state-of-good-repair to ensure their continued function, which is critical to achieving all of the county’s mobility goals.
- Provide a Safe System: Create a transportation network that can be shared safely by all users and provides sufficient access for emergency response.
- Ensure Financial Viability: Plan for a system that is financially viable, including consideration of full lifecycle costs in infrastructure investments and leveraging outside funds (including grants and private dollars) wherever possible to maximize community benefits.
- Support Land Use: Provide a transportation system that works hand-in-hand with existing and planned land uses, supports farm-to-market and recreational tourism needs, and balances economic development with existing users.
- Environmental Stewardship: Avoid and minimize negative environmental and societal impacts from the transportation system and enhance the natural and social environment when possible.
- Be an Active Partner: Coordinate with a broad range of groups (including local, state, and regional agencies, key stakeholders, businesses and the public) to develop and operate the transportation system.
More resources related to the Transportation Element can be found at the links below:
RCW 36.70A.70: RCW 36.70A.070: Comprehensive plans — Mandatory elements
Growth Management Act Transportation Requirements: Transportation Planning from the Washington State Department of Commerce
Posted: 06/10/2025 04:02 PM
Last Updated: 06/11/2025 12:07 PM