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Needs & benefits

State Route 3 in Belfair regularly experiences congestion during peak commute hours, especially as numerous drivers stop and make turns. Heavy congestion has the potential to negatively affect emergency response times and economic vitality. This project would improve travel times for regional traffic, reduce the volume of regional traffic in Belfair, and help reduce the potential for collisions.

After in-depth study that included traffic patterns and the number of travelers using this area, WSDOT will use single-lane roundabouts to connect the SR 3 Freight Corridor with existing SR 3 at SR 302 and near Southwest Lake Flora Road.

Why roundabouts?
Intersections with roundabouts lower the number of possible conflict points between vehicles and reduce the speed of vehicles. Roundabouts lower the risk of deadly and serious injury collisions.

The End Result 

Crews will create a new route for SR 3 while maintaining the existing state highway through Belfair as a business loop. The proposed 6-miles of new highway would provide a new option for drivers to travel around and not through Belfair. The new portion of SR 3 is a Limited Access Corridor. A Limited Access Corridor restricts the total number of intersections. The restriction benefits through-travelers by shortening travel times due to reduced slowing or stopping traffic. 

Timeline

Spring 2019 - Stakeholder involvement
Spring 2020 - Project design and environmental revaluation
Summer 2022 - Construction
2025 - Completion