
Public input needed on roundabouts and pedestrian and bicycle features
RIDGEFIELD – On Mon., June 3, the Washington State Department of Transportation will host an in-person open house to give the public a first look at the future Interstate 5 and 179th Street Interchange Improvements project.
The new interchange will feature two roundabouts. People who attend the in-person open house or participate using a virtual public survey will:
- See a first look of the roundabout design,
- Provide input on the users and size of vehicles that will travel through the roundabouts,
- Provide feedback on a proposed shared use path,
- Share concerns and priorities for access and mobility during construction.
Future growth in the area will increase traffic and travel times at this interchange. Using traffic studies and public feedback collected in 2019, several interchange options were narrowed down to a roundabout design. Two roundabouts will be installed to provide improved mobility for both current traffic and future growth by keeping people moving, reducing congestion, and improving travel times.
I-5/179th Street Interchange Improvements project in-person open house
When: 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 3, 2024
Where: Alki Middle School Commons, 1800 NW Bliss Road #1823, Vancouver, WA 98685
Details: The WSDOT project design team and other partner organizations will be present to review the preliminary roundabout project design, collect information on the size of vehicles using the intersection, gather input on the proposed shared-use path for active transportation users, and answer questions about planned construction. This is a drop-in event and there will be no formal presentation.
I-5/179th Street Interchange Improvements project virtual public survey
When: Tuesday, May 28 to Monday, June 10, 2023
Where: www.surveymonkey.com/r/T2HP27L
Details: The public virtual survey shares the preliminary roundabout design concept, collects information on the size of vehicles using the intersection, gathers input on the proposed shared-use path for active transportation users, and welcomes questions about planned construction.
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/
The current estimated cost of the interchange project is approximately $86 million and scheduled for construction starting in 2027.
Also read:
- Letter: ‘This is the worst thing that ever happened to the region’A Hayden Island resident Sam Churchill is criticized in a letter calling the $14 billion Interstate Bridge Replacement project a “boondoggle” that destroys local businesses.
- Opinion: Half the road, full stop – Understanding pedestrian right-of-wayDoug Dahl explains how Washington’s law requires drivers to stop when a pedestrian is within one lane of their half of the road, not just when directly in front.
- Opinion: What is the cost of a bridge?John Ley argues the I-5 Bridge replacement’s soaring cost stems from costly extras like light rail, noting other states deliver larger, toll-free bridges for much less.
- Letter: Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle makes several serious and incorrect engineering statementsBob Ortblad critiques engineering claims by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, highlighting cost and safety advantages of an immersed tunnel for the I-5 crossing.
- Washington’s studded tire deadline is March 31Drivers must remove studded tires by March 31 or face a $137 fine, with WSDOT urging early action due to busy service centers and no planned deadline extension.






