Crews installed a ‘do not block the circle’ advanced warning sign that will activate when a train is stopped on the tracks north of the 32nd Street intersection
WASHOUGAL — Travelers on eastbound State Route 14 will now encounter a new electronic advanced warning sign as they approach the newly built 32nd Street roundabout in Washougal.
Earlier this month, crews installed a “do not block the circle” advanced warning sign that will activate when a train is stopped on the tracks north of the 32nd Street intersection and vehicle queuing on 32nd Street is detected. For eastbound travelers wanting to head north into Washougal at 32nd Street, the illuminated sign informs them that they should not enter the roundabout, and to wait until the train and associated traffic back-up on 32nd Street has cleared before proceeding.
What to do when the sign is on
• Eastbound travelers wanting to head north into Washougal should line up and wait in the left lane along the approach to the roundabout. This storage lane was designed to hold traffic back from entering the roundabout so they do not block all other vehicles who are traveling in other directions.
• All other traffic movements should continue, through the roundabout – do not stop in the roundabout.
• When the train leaves and the traffic back-up on 32nd Street has cleared, travelers wanting to go north onto 32nd Street can proceed through the roundabout.
The “do not block the circle” sign was included as part of the SR 14 Access Improvements project in response to community input and is a low-cost tool that will help keep traffic moving, even with train delays.
Project updates
The temporary speed limit reduction, which was in place during construction, has been lifted and the speed limit has returned to 55 mph through the area. However, 25 mph is the recommended speed as drivers approach and travel through the roundabouts.
Additional low-cost enhancements added as part of this project include two newly-installed electronic speed signs at both roundabouts on SR 14 at Washougal River Road/15th Street and 32nd Street. The signs help slow cars down by informing drivers when they are traveling at speeds above the recommended limit.
Information provided by Washington State Department of Transportation.
