On Monday, crews will begin construction on the intersection; travelers should find an alternate route if possible
A new compact roundabout is coming to the intersection at Fourth Plain Boulevard, also called State Route 500, and Northeast 182nd Avenue in Vancouver to create a safer intersection and keep travelers moving.
On Monday July 11, crews will begin construction on the intersection. Travelers should find an alternate route if possible, or prepare for:
- single lane closures with alternating traffic near the intersection
- overnight work
- a week-and-a-half total closure of the intersection beginning in early August
- a temporary signal at Northeast 88th Street and Ward Road during the total closure of the SR 500 and 182nd Avenue intersection
The new roundabout is expected to be complete by the end of August. This is one of several projects planned in the area this summer (see more below).
The roundabout is one of several projects planned in the area this summer (see more below).
Why a roundabout at SR 500 and 182nd Avenue?
WSDOT decided to install a roundabout based on crash data collected between 2013 and 2017 that showed a history of crashes along this stretch of highway, most of which were rear-end or at-angle crashes, also called T-bone or side impact crashes. A roundabout at this location will improve safety by reducing the potential for these severe types of collisions, while keeping traffic flowing through the intersection.
Studies by the Federal Highway Administration have found that roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30 to 50 percent compared to traditional intersections.
Compact roundabouts have a diameter between 65 to 120 feet and are designed so that larger vehicles, like freight trucks or first responder vehicles, can drive over part of the center island to make the turn while still using a relatively small footprint for the roundabout. Compact roundabouts are like single-lane roundabouts, which are slightly larger in size, and use the same design to help keep vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists moving.
Benefits of roundabouts
There are many benefits of a roundabout, the most important being the reduction in severity of crashes. How does this work? Roundabouts help reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions due to:
- Low travel speeds. Drivers must slow down and yield to traffic before entering a roundabout. Speeds in the roundabout are typically between 15 and 20 miles per hour.
- No light to beat. Roundabouts are designed to promote a continuous, circular flow of traffic. Drivers need only 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 do not have the incentive to speed up to try and “beat the light” as they might at an intersection with a traffic signal.
- 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 minimize any possibility for “T-bone” and head-on collisions.
Other Clark County summer construction
‘Tis the season for summer construction in the Pacific Northwest and there are a few other projects happening nearby that we want travelers to know about.
In addition to the roundabout installation, travelers will also notice that other roadwork by WSDOT and Clark County is underway.
- Beginning July 5, WSDOT is paving a 10-mile stretch of Fourth Plain Boulevard between Northeast 162nd Avenue and Northeast Leadbetter Road. This work will continue for two months.
- In June 2022, Clark County began work to replace the Davis Bridge which is expected to complete by the end of 2022.
There are wild cards in construction this summer including weather and supply chain challenges. For the most up-to-date construction information, travelers can get real-time travel information on the WSDOT website.
Information and images provided by Washington State Department of Transportation.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘Teachers and administrators who even SUSPECT child abuse must report to law enforcement’
Lars Larson argues that school officials in Longview failed to follow mandatory reporting laws after allegations of rape at Mark Morris High School. - CCSO investigation of deceased female located in the woods leads to arrest
A Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigation into a deceased woman found on forest land has led to the arrest of 66-year-old Andrew Brunette on murder and related charges. - Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall will not seek reelection
Sue Marshall announced she will not run for reelection to the Clark County Council, citing family, farm life, and other priorities as she completes her final 10 months in office. - Opinion: The Democrats’ conduct was ‘downright disgusting and offensive’
Ken Vance criticizes Democratic lawmakers for refusing to stand during a State of the Union pledge and calls their conduct “disgusting and offensive.” - No cops hired so far with WA’s new $100M grant program
Washington’s new $100 million police hiring grant program has not yet distributed funds, as local officials cite technical issues and bureaucratic hurdles - Six individuals indicted after allegedly transporting more than 500 workers across border
Federal prosecutors announced indictments against six individuals accused of obtaining fraudulent H-2A visas and transporting hundreds of farmworkers to Washington state. - Opinion: The upside-down world of Washington Democrats
Nancy Churchill criticizes Washington Democrats over HB 2034, LEOFF 1 pension funds, and a proposed income tax, urging residents to oppose the bill ahead of a Feb. 26 hearing.
