Date:  Friday, May 15, 2009

Contact: Bronlea Mishler, WSDOT communications, 360-757-5947
Dustin Terpening, WSDOT communications, 360-757-5997

BELLINGHAM – A major SR 539 project milestone – opening the first roundabout on a state highway in Whatcom County -- is expected to happen early Saturday morning, May 16, while many commuters are probably still asleep. That means most drivers will get their first drive through the completed roundabout at the Guide Meridian (SR 539)/Ten Mile Road intersection north of Bellingham this weekend.

While the new roundabout is the first on a state highway in Whatcom County -- and the first of four roundabouts set to open on the Guide Meridian this year -- it is the 27th in Washington, and 124th when counting city and county roundabouts.

“We’ve been talking about roundabouts on the Guide Meridian for years,” Assistant Regional Administrator Todd Harrison said. “And the first one is opening Saturday. This is a significant milestone for us.”

WSDOT has coordinated with the Washington State Patrol and Whatcom County Sheriffs Office to make sure traffic will flow smoothly in the first days the roundabout is open. Officers will pay special attention to the new roundabout and educate drivers as necessary.

“The roundabouts are definitely going to be a change for drivers on the Guide and in the county,” Project Engineer Chris Damitio said. “I think that if drivers give them a chance and follow the rules, they’ll find that they’re efficient and safe.”

Roundabout education information is available in various formats at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR539/TenmileBorder/. Feel free to contact WSDOT via e-mail, mishleb@wsdot.wa.gov, or phone, 360-757-5947, with questions and concerns about roundabouts.

The roundabouts are part of a larger $53.9 million project that will transform the Guide Meridian into a safer, less congested four-lane divided highway, and help support upwards of 500 jobs throughout the duration of the project.

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