The Washington State Department of Transportation is moving forward with a plan to install a roundabout at the intersection of US 101 and State Route 6. The project will be opened for bids this May with construction set to take place this summer.
The roundabout is meant to maintain the flow of traffic while saving on maintenance costs related to the existing stoplight, which is to be removed. Roundabouts also have significant safety benefits according to several studies cited by WSDOT.
WSDOT officials heard a litany of concerns about the project from the public at an informational meeting held in Raymond last fall. Comments on the project left on the website of Grays Harbor radio station KBKW also expressed only mixed support.
Bart Treece, a communications manager with WSDOT, said the state has received supportive input from the public and project managers are comfortable with the roundabout even if some area residents may be skeptical.
"Public opinion tends to change on roundabouts when people get used to how they work .... It's new, and we get that. But for the most part we've heard some really good, positive things from the public," Treece told the Herald.
"It should be under construction later this summer, so there will be some traffic impacts," Treece added. "Once it's complete it will be a change for folks. But it's one that has some safety benefits and will also keep traffic moving."
Treece said that though pedestrians will have an easier time crossing the roadway once the roundabout is in place, concern for pedestrian safety was not the primary intent behind the project.
WSDOT's website puts the anticipated cost of the project at $1.3 million.