Planning study news
Thank you for participating in the US 101 East Sequim Pre-Design Study. Information about the study recommendations can be found in the Outcomes section of this webpage. The study is complete and the report is available for viewing.
Purpose
US 101 connects Sequim, a city in Clallam County, with the rest of western Washington. It is a vital link for residents, businesses and visitors. The pre-design study identified roadway improvements focused on safety, access and improving travel times using the Practical Solutions approach. WSDOT developed the recommendations working in coordination with Clallam County, the City of Sequim, Clallam Transit System, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Planning study report
WSDOT conducted a pre-design study of US 101 in Sequim between the Simdars Road Interchange and Palo Alto Road. As part of the study, a public online open house was held Jan. 27 to Feb. 10 and the summary (PDF 1.3MB) describes the feedback WSDOT received.
Some common concerns about roundabouts on highways were expressed during the public open house
Crashes will increase with roundabouts on highways
Roundabouts at intersections are designed to be safer for all users and have fewer conflict points. Also, roundabouts at intersections on two-lane rural highways show overall crashes are reduced by up to 68 percent and a reduction of injury crashes is 88 percent.
Drivers won't slow down for roundabouts on US 101
High-speed approaches to roundabouts include advance signing, pavement markings and raised channelization. With proper design, drivers are directed to adjust their speeds, slow on approach and navigate the roundabout safely.
Why not build a traffic signal instead of a roundabout
Improvements like stop signs and signals, while very familiar, aren't always the safest choice. With intersections representing about one-quarter of annual U.S. traffic fatalities and roughly half of all injury crashes, safer designs are needed that improve mobility while saving lives.
Roundabouts on high-speed highways
Studies by Kansas State University measured traffic flow at intersections before and after conversion to roundabouts. In each case, installing a roundabout led to a 20 percent reduction in delays during peak hours. There are many roundabouts currently on Washington State highways with speeds of 50 MPH and greater. These modern roundabout designs account for high-speed approaches by providing longer splitter islands and pavement markings, along with enhanced signing. Some of these roundabouts that currently exist on two-lane high-speed highways include two on SR 3 in Mason and Kitsap counties, SR 12 in Lewis County, SR 510 in Thurston County and there are two located on SR 395 in eastern Washington. There are a number of roundabouts on highways that are being planned for the future.
Explore our site and learn more about roundabouts.
