Target Zero is the Washington State Department of Transportation’s safety improvement program. The goal of this program is to reduce serious and fatal crashes on state highways to zero by the year 2030. The program focuses on two aspects: crash reduction and crash prevention.
To support this, we conduct routine reviews of rural area intersections on the state highway system. We analyze locations that are at the highest risk for severe crashes. Once we identify those intersections, WSDOT develops a safety plan to reduce crash potential. We look for ways to reduce operating speed and conflict points.
Studies show that roundabouts are safer than traditional traffic signals or stop-controlled intersections. They accommodate vehicles of all sizes, big and small. This includes emergency vehicles, buses, bicycles, semi-trucks with trailers, and farm and logging equipment.
March - April 2022
Pre-Design community outreach
The roundabout projects are funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and are estimated to cost between $1.5 and $2 million per location:
- SR 3 at East Agate Road
- SR 3 at East Pickering Road
These costs are rough estimates and subject to change based on final design factors and project award.
The single-lane roundabout is smaller than a standard roundabout. It features mountable curbing and a center island, which larger vehicles can drive over as needed. This allows the roundabouts to accommodate vehicles of all sizes.
It is unusual to see many pedestrians or bicyclists along SR 3. The closest transit stops to these intersections are at the Deer Creek Store (East Agate Road) and the East Pickering Road Park and Ride lot. The design phase will take a closer look at these factors.
Conceptual drawing of the planned SR 3 at East Agate Road single-lane roundabout
The planned roundabout on SR 3 at East Agate Road is a single-lane roundabout with an 18-foot-wide circulating lane. The center island is paved and has a 60-foot diameter with 3-inch raised curbing. This concept also includes splitter islands at the intersection approaches. The splitter islands each have 4-inch raised curbing and shoulders to help guide vehicles into the roundabout. All islands are paved and intended to be fully mounted, as needed, by larger vehicles. Both splitter islands on SR 3 have gaps in the curbing to provide access to the private driveways near the intersection.
Conceptual drawing of the planned SR 3 at East Pickering Road single-lane roundabout
The planned roundabout on SR 3 at East Pickering Road is a single-lane roundabout with an 18-foot-wide circulating lane. The center island is paved and has a 60-foot diameter with 3 inch raised curbing. This concept also includes splitter islands at the intersection approaches. The splitter islands each have 4-inch raised curbing and shoulders to help guide vehicles into the roundabout. All islands are paved and intended to be fully mounted, as needed, by larger vehicles.
