Making the connection

The city of Monroe will present three possible routes for connecting 191st Avenue Southeast to Chain Lake Road next week, a connection that could help improve safety and alleviate congestion at Rainier View and Chain Lake roads by providing residents with an alternate way to travel in and out of the area.

The discussion takes place during the regular business meeting of the Monroe City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

Currently, 191st Avenue Southeast is a residential roadway that transitions into Rainier View Road Southeast north of Galaxy Theater and Walmart. Directly west of where 191st becomes Rainier View Road Southeast, a portion of 191st extends south, ending north of Galaxy Way where it overlooks Walmart and Lakeside Industries. That portion of the roadway has been closed for more than a decade, based on estimations by Monroe city staff. 

Residents of the area have stated an alternate connection is needed due to heavy traffic on Rainier View Road Southeast, a 25 mph residential roadway. Rainier View Road Southeast at Chain Lake is presently the only point of ingress and egress to a densely npopulated residential area, which is a significant safety concern for those who live there.

If an emergency were to impact Rainier View Road, residents say, they could be stuck, as it is the only way in and out. Issues related to limited access, coupled with new construction in the area, have residents worried the problem will only get worse.

The city has identified three potential ways to connect 191st to Chain Lake Road. The first would create a throughway extending from Rainier View Road Southeast and 191st connecting to Chain Lake Road directly south of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. This option would create a new intersection at that location.

The second option would punch 191st Avenue Southeast through to Galaxy Way. This option is complicated by a steep hillside and other environmental concerns.

The third option would reconstruct 191st Avenue Southeast, extending it north of Walmart and connecting to Chain Lake at the Chain Lake Road roundabout.

In addition to council discussion, an open house is tentatively slated for Thursday, Jan. 26.

Monroe residents are encouraged to give comment during the “Comments from Citizens” portion of the meeting. Residents have up to three minutes to speak to the city council on any issue related to Monroe, other than matters subject to a public hearing that may require judicial review. Public comment is not an opportunity for give and take between the public and the councilmembers, but a time for residents to share thoughts and viewpoints.

Monroe residents are welcome to speak about the 191st connection at the Jan. 10 meeting. Council packets providing additional information will be available on the city website on Friday, Jan. 6. Monroe City Council meetings start at 7 p.m. at Monroe City Hall.