COVID-19
For the latest COVID-19 health guidance, statistics and resources, visit Coronavirus.wa.gov.
In 2007, WSDOT built a roundabout at the intersection of Steptoe Street and Columbia Park Trail off of State Route 240 to relieve congestion and ensure better traffic flow. However, increased urban growth and traffic volumes over the past 11 years has presented a new challenge. During peak travel hours, traffic is starting to back-up onto the eastbound off-ramp of SR 240, which creates opportunity for high speed, rear-end collisions.
WSDOT is taking a proactive approach to quickly and effectively reduce back-ups and collisions by using a traffic tool known as traffic metering, which is being used across the state. Traffic metering will allow vehicles to enter the roundabout one car at a time using a traffic signal. This method allows traffic to enter the roundaoubt in a controlled, but free flowing manner and will only be activiated when back-ups occur at the off-ramp during peak travel hours. Traffic metering will improve safety by eliminating the opportunity for collisions, drivers will still need to yield to traffic in the roundabout.
This $100,000 project is funded through existing funds designated for emergent need projects.
Alex Sanguino
WSDOT Project Engineer
509-222-2403
Meagan Lott
WSDOT Communications
509-577-1618
Traffic metering at peak travel times will improve safety by reducing high speed, rear-end collisions.