Public Works

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Click here to view the proposed changes. 

The intersection of Northeast 119th Street and Northeast 152nd Avenue has been the site of several severe accidents within the last 10 years, including two fatalities. As a result, the intersection was identified as a high priority to incorporate engineering countermeasures to minimize the risk of collisions at this location.   National and regional data show that roundabouts reduce the risk of serious injury or fatal collisions. To improve safety of this intersection, the traffic signal will be replaced with a roundabout.

The goal of the project is to improve safety at the intersection of Northeast 119th Street and Northeast 152nd Avenue.

The project includes:

• Removal of the existing traffic signal and illumination system.
• Construction of a single-lane roundabout.
• Updating the illumination system.
• Improving pedestrian facilities.
• Improving stormwater collection and treatment. 

Roundabouts keep traffic moving safely and steadily. Studies have shown that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop sign or signal-controlled intersections. Roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Studies by the IIHS and Federal Highway Administration 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.

There are several reasons why roundabouts help reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions:

• Low travel speeds: Drivers must slow down and yield to traffic before entering a roundabout. Speeds in a roundabout are typically between 15 and 20 mph. The collisions that occur in roundabouts are typically minor and cause fewer injuries since they occur at lower speeds.
• No light to beat: Roundabouts are designed to promote a continuous, circular flow of traffic. Drivers only need to yield to traffic before entering a roundabout; if there is no traffic in the roundabout, drivers are not required to stop. Because traffic is constantly flowing through the intersection, drivers don't have the incentive to speed up to try and "beat the light," like they might at a signal-controlled intersection.
• One-way travel: Roads entering a roundabout are gently curved to direct drivers into the intersection and help them travel counterclockwise around the roundabout. The curved roads and one-way travel around the roundabout eliminate the possibility of T-bone and head-on collisions.

"To find out more information on the Traffic safety benefits of roundabouts, please visit https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/roundabout-corridors

Design of the new intersection is nearly complete.

Public Works incorporates resident input when feasible. County projects are designed by professional engineers. We balance community input with other considerations to create the best possible final design. Considerations include legal requirements, environmental impacts, budget and safety. Input among residents, user groups and stakeholders often differs. While we do our best to incorporate resident input, we are not able incorporate all input or requests. If you have questions or concerns about the final project design, we invite you to learn more on our website or contact the project manager.