What’s Happening Engineering: We are beginning the design engineering for the project which includes collecting field information and creating right-of-way and construction plans.
Surveying: Collecting field information.
About the Project Planned improvements to the intersection of 48th Avenue East and 208th Street East are intended to increase efficiency of the intersection and improve safety, and would include the following:
Single lane roundabout.
Concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
Adding street lighting.
Adding Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) at each approach.
Adding stormwater management and treatment facilities.
Why a Roundabout?
While some drivers are initially hesitant about driving roundabouts, studies show that after driving a roundabout, most people favor them over a traditional traffic signal.
Studies have also shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop signs or signal-controlled intersections.
Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) studies have shown that roundabouts typically achieve:
A 37 percent reduction in overall collisions.
A 75 percent reduction in injury collisions.
A 90 percent reduction in fatality collisions.
A 40 percent reduction in pedestrian collisions.
Resources on Roundabouts
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has a fantastic web page, Roundabout Information. This web page is devoted to explaining all things "Roundabout" including a couple of brochures, references to some studies, and several videos on various roundabout related topics.
Project Timeline
May 2021 to September 2022: Create and finalize right-of-way plans, draft construction plans, and a project estimate.
March 2023: Work
anticipated to start back up. Project funding and timeline being assessed for
project update within 2023.
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