View entire map. This project is located on SR 282 at MP 1.06 on the east side of Ephrata in Grant County.
View entire photo. The roundabout would replace this intersection at SR 282 and Nat Washington Way/Southeast Boulevard.
Project Facts
- Statistics show fewer accidents occur at roundabouts when compared to intersections with traditional traffic signals.
- If funded, this project could be constructed starting in the spring of 2009.
- There have been 17 accidents at this intersection in the last 5 years.
Spring, 2008
Preliminary planning, design and engineering work is currently on hold pending additional funding.
This safety improvement project will construct a roundabout at the intersection of SR 282 and Nat Washington Way/Southeast Boulevard at Ephrata in Grant County.
Why is WSDOT
improving this intersection?
SR 282 is the main route between Ephrata and Moses Lake. Nat Washington Way is a main entrance to Wal-Mart, other businesses and the Ephrata Airport and Industrial Park. There have been 17 accidents recorded here in the last five years. A roundabout will minimize severe accidents while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. Roundabouts have been shown to reduce injury crashes by as much as 76 percent. A roundabout was chosen for this location because of the number of accidents and steadily increasing traffic volumes.
The End Result
A new modern roundabout will allow drivers to safely move through this busy intersection without stopping for traffic signals.
Project Benefits
: Roundabouts eliminate the maintenance and electricity costs of traffic signals, which average $3000 per year.
Reduced Delay: By yielding upon entry rather than stopping and waiting for a light to change, delay is significantly reduced.
Capacity: A roundabout handles intersections with a high volume of left turns better than a traffic signal.
Aesthetics: The central island provides an opportunity for local agencies to landscape.
What is the project timeline?
This project is not currently funded for design or construction.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and ideas are important to us. Please contact the Project Engineering Office with any questions or concerns about this project.
Environmental Protection
No impacts from this project that will adversely affect the environment have been identified. All environmental laws and guidelines are being strictly followed.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Many studies show roundabouts are significantly safer than traffic signals. The number and severity of accidents is reduced considerably because people must drive more slowly through a roundabout. In addition, drivers no longer turn left in front of oncoming cars as in a traditional intersection. People involved in those types of accidents frequently suffer severe or fatal injuries.
The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety reports that roundabouts sharply reduce crashes. Researchers at Ryerson Polytechnic University found a 39 percent overall decrease in crashes and a 76 percent decrease in injury-producing crashes. Collisions involving fatal or incapacitating injuries fell as much as 90 percent.
In addition to the safety benefits of the project itself, a comprehensive work zone safety plan will be prepared to protect workers during construction, and a traffic safety control plan will be developed to protect travelers through the work zone.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
No tribal concerns or cultural resource impacts have been identified.
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan. Close communication with the tribal nations will be ongoing throughout this project when it is constructed.
Financial Information
The initial planning and engineering work has been paid for with a $60,000 contribution from Wal-Mart. A detailed cost estimate will be prepared as part of the engineering design process.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Mike Fleming
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2870 or
toll free (888) 461-8816
E-mail: fleminM@wsdot.wa.gov
back to top