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:
- Camas girls basketball: Defending champions look to learn from mistakes with a tough schedule
Camas girls basketball faces growing pains as they aim to defend their state championship with a young, talented team. - Clark County Today Sports Podcast, Dec 19, 2024: Discussing the protocol on voting for WIAA amendments, plus a look at some of the amendments that will be voted on in 2025Clark County Today Sports Podcast reviews Camas and Seton Catholic football, WIAA amendments, and winter sports.
- Biden Energy Dept. deals another blow to natural gas supportersThe Department of Energy’s new rules and a report on LNG exports have sparked debates among natural gas supporters and environmental advocates.
- Opinion: Courts blocking the Kroger-Albertson merger won’t stop consumers from making choices
Paul Guppy of Washington Policy Center critiques judicial rulings that block the Kroger-Albertsons merger, citing changing consumer trends and potential job losses. - Pac Coast Wrestling to return to Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28The Pac Coast Wrestling Championships, featuring over 100 teams, return to the Clark County Event Center Dec. 27-28 for two days of thrilling competition.
- Mountain View now runs Clark County’s high school basketball holiday tournamentThe Mountain View Holiday Invite will host eight boys basketball teams, including five from Clark County, from Dec. 26-28 in a showcase of local talent.
- GoFundMe spotlight: Fundraiser for four injured in food truck explosionA fundraiser has been launched to support four individuals injured in the 4 Caminos food truck explosion in Vancouver, Washington.
