The City of Issaquah took an important step Monday night toward improving one of the most dangerous intersections in the city.

By unanimous vote, the full council approved completing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study and mapping that would preclude a complete realignment of the intersection, and the installation of traffic lights, at the turn out for Providence Point along SE 43rd Way.

It is thought the $100,000 cost of the study, mapping and some paperwork may be a wise investment for the city, as the council has an eye on Federal Jobs Bill funding which could pay for the actual construction.

The completion of the NEPA study and mapping are the last remaining tasks in order to make the project “shovel ready,” a criteria for federal funding.

City staff will also need to redo their stormwater mitigation plans, in order to be compliant with current regulations which have changed since 2008.

Providence Point management has expressed an interest in donating the necessary right of way to the city, the construction of a better intersection obviously in the best interests of residents and visitors to the gated community.

At present, vehicles turning left from SE 43rd into Providence Point must deal with fast moving traffic traveling down the steep road. Similarly, turning left from Providence Point, toward Sammamish, and the nearest shopping center, is a challenge – many have said a “disaster waiting to happen.”

The $100,000 would come out of the Street Improvement Fund, which shows a 2010 ending balance of $1,426,805.

In proposing a motion to do the necessary studies, Councilmember Joshua Schaer paid tribute to former councilor John Rittenhouse, who he said had long insisted the council improve the intersection.

“I credit John Rittenhouse for keeping this on the council’s radar,” he said, adding that Providence Point was one of the largest neighborhoods in the city not to have signalized access, Montreux being another.