SEABECK – A new roundabout at the Seabeck Highway NW and NW Holly Road intersection was recently completed ahead of schedule and within the budget. The roundabout is part of a larger road improvement project located on Seabeck Highway between Calamity Lane NW and NW Gross Road. The project focuses on increasing safety for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“This was a fantastic project centered on safety”, said Tina Nelson, senior program manager for Kitsap County Public Works-Engineering Division in a press release.
“The collaboration between county staff and the contractor, Seton Construction, Inc., was exemplary and resulted in the early completion.”
[ LINK: Round and Round ]
[ LINK: Roundabout to be installed on Seabeck Highway this summer ]
In addition to building the roundabout, the project includes wider 12-foot travel lanes and paved shoulders on Seabeck Highway NW.
Traffic studies identified the intersection as a major accident location. Roundabouts are a very effective way to reduce intersection collisions. Traffic design engineers determined roundabouts reduce the number of accidents by directing all the traffic in a counter clockwise manner, eliminating conflict points. Additionally, traveling speeds in a roundabout are reduced, typically to 25 miles per hour, which also improves safety through the intersection.
In addition to the road improvements and the roundabout, one of the original culverts in the project area – determined to be fish-bearing – was replaced with a three-sided concrete box structure to improve fish passage. New lighting and upgrades to the existing stormwater collection system – including new catch basins and storm pipes – were also included in the project.
The contractor, Seton Construction, Inc., from Port Townsend, began work this past April under a $1.9 million contract. The work was completed seven weeks ahead of schedule. The majority of the funding for the project ($1.5 million) was provided by a grant through the Washington State Rural Arterial Program. The grant, supported by the statewide vehicle fuel tax, helps counties reconstruct rural arterial roads.
“The project was a perfect storm of good things,” said Steve Nichols, county construction manager. “By being ahead of the fall rains, the county’s attention to planning details, and the contractor’s willingness to work on difficult tasks simultaneous, the project couldn’t have gone smoother,” said Nichols. “The County and the contractor want to thank the public for their continual patience during construction.”
Stay current on major construction and maintenance activities by visiting the Road Report at www.kitsapgov.com/pw/roadwork.htm. The public may sign up for email or text notifications at GovDelivery by selecting the “Road Report” in the topics section.
