Martin Way Crossing Strategy

Image of 2 people crossing in the middle of a block on Martin Way.

Project is Complete!

From July 2024 through December 2025, TRPC worked with partners to identify 10 locations for crosswalks along Martin Way and develop preliminary designs for them. This project builds on TRPC's previous work on the Martin Way corridor and has worked to make it safer for all users.

Read the final report here: Martin Way Crossing Strategy Final Report

Crossing Locations

The project team considered three key criteria in selecting the 10 locations proposed for crosswalks: Accessibility, safety, and equity.

Three proposed locations are in Olympia:

  • Devoe Street
  • The Bark Store
  • 4500 Martin Way

Four proposed locations are in unincorporated Thurston County:

  • Between Carpenter Road and Kinwood Street
  • Thurston County Food Bank
  • School Street
  • 7838 Martin Way

And three proposed locations are in Lacey:

  • Gerald Street
  • Blackhawk Lane
  • Copper Wood Lane
Virtual Open House
A Thurston County Food Bank volunteer looks across Martin Way.
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Project Partners

TRPC led this project in partnership with the City of Olympia, the City of Lacey, Thurston County, and Intercity Transit. Each of the three jurisdictions operate and maintain right-of-way on Martin Way, and our area's public transit operator provides a significant amount of service on the corridor. 

This project was further supported by a team of consultants from Transpo Group and Toole Design. 

Community Voices

Martin Way is home to a more diverse population than much of the surrounding region. TRPC has partnered with community-based organizations to ensure that all voices are represented in the planning process for this project. 

From September 2024 through June 2025, TRPC conducted surveys, co-led a listening session, hosted virtual and in-person open houses, and engaged in pop-up activities along Martin Way. In total, 532 community members provided feedback on this project.

Final reports detailing community feedback are in progress. 

Martin Way is home to a more diverse population than the surrounding area.

Background

Martin Way, a 7-mile corridor and former state highway, is a major regional thoroughfare serving the communities of Olympia, Lacey, and Thurston County. It serves as the area's primary alternative to Interstate 5 (I-5), has frequent transit service, and is home to a variety of business activities and destinations. 

Martin Way is challenging to navigate without a vehicle, and poses significant safety and accessibility concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists:

  • High traffic volumes and speeds
  • A wide roadway with infrequent crossing opportunities
  • Disconnected and incomplete sidewalk networks

Since 2015, several serious incidents have been linked to pedestrians attempting to cross the roadway. From 2019 through 2023, one third of all fatal or serious collisions on Martin Way involved a pedestrian or bicyclist. More than 70 percent of collisions involving pedestrians occurred within 250 feet of an Intercity Transit bus stop — highlighting the vulnerability of transit users. 

Through a safety assessment and public engagement, the Martin Way Corridor Study identified a need for additional crossings along Martin Way.

Project Funding

The Martin Way Crossing Strategy is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov

Contact Us

  1. Aidan Dixon, Associate Planner
    dixona@trpc.org
    360-741-2530

    Chelsea Embree, Associate Planner - Engagement Specialist
    embreec@trpc.org 
    360-741-2516

    Thurston Regional Planning Council
    2411 Chandler Court SW
    Olympia, WA 98502
    360-956-7575