Date:  Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Contact: Dustin Terpening, Communications, 360-757-5997 (Burlington)
Jason Koreski, Project Manager, 360-757-5945 (Burlington)

ARLINGTON – WSDOT engineers believe that a roundabout is the best solution for improving safety and relieving congestion at the State Route 9/State Route 531 intersection in Arlington.

WSDOT hosted an open house in July and invited local residents, business owners and drivers to review and comment on two intersection improvement options - a roundabout or an improved signal. After reviewing feedback from the open house and doing an in-depth analysis of the two options, engineers chose the roundabout because it’s the right tool for the job.

“We really looked at the pros and cons of each option and found that the roundabout provides the greatest safety and congestion benefits for the longest period of time,” said Project Manager Jason Koreski. “It will provide the greatest return on our investment, working efficiently 20 to 30 years from now.”

The roundabout will help prevent serious collisions for the 16,000 drivers that use the intersection daily. From 2004 to 2008, there were 28 collisions that resulted in 29 injuries. The majority of those collisions and injuries happened when drivers tried to turn left through the intersection.

The roundabout will work more efficiently than a signal as a significant amount of development occurs near the intersection. This area is planned as a regionally-significant commercial and industrial center, and will bring more homes, businesses and drivers in the future.

Construction on the new roundabout will begin in 2011.

WSDOT will host an open house in late October for drivers and residents to learn more about the roundabout. For more details about this $15.6 million project and/or to submit comments and questions, visit the project Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR9/SR531intersection/.  

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