PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles plans to install mini traffic circles at eight uncontrolled intersections in the city.
The Port Angeles City Council unanimously approved the construction of three roundabouts on Laurel Street where it intersects with Ninth, Seventh and Fifth streets.
Three roundabouts also will be put in at Sixth Street where it intersects with Vine, Chase and Oak streets.
Two roundabouts will be built on Second Street where it intersects with Washington and Francis streets.
In addition, the project will include visibility enhancements, marked crosswalks and curb ramp improvements along Laurel Street, Sixth Street and East Street.
The project will be designed in 2026 and constructed in 2027, largely due to current construction workloads, said Scott Curtin, the city’s director of public works and utilities.
The locations were chosen based on crash data, Curtin told the council Tuesday night.
Staff chose intersections that were one block off the main arterials and often used by people who are trying to bypass traffic by traveling through neighborhoods.
Susie Blake of Port Angeles expressed concern during public comment over the impact the traffic circles might have on street parking. She said something like stop signs might help mitigate the safety concerns and be more effective.
Council member Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin said, in the long run, stop signs are more expensive than a traffic circle.
Roundabouts also are more functional than other options, Curtin said.
“The nice thing about a roundabout is it requires people to pay attention” without necessarily stopping, he added.
The design and construction will be paid for through a $2.175 million state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program grant, with no city match required.
The roundabouts should not impair first responder vehicles or other types of access, such as for snow removal, Curtin said.
Other road and traffic improvements were approved by the city council Tuesday night.
The council approved the purchase of a traffic signal camera system from Western Systems, Inc. for a maximum of $36,832.34. The intersection at Eighth and Cherry streets will then be converted from in-ground traffic loop technology to a traffic camera detection system mounted on a signal pole.
The city also plans to mill and overlay the travel and bike lanes along First and Front streets from Lincoln Street to the Tumwater Truck Route. That will include the replacement of pedestrian ramps that do not meet ADA requirements.
That project is being funded through a $2.483 million WSDOT National Highway System Asset Management Program grant. Project design is likely to be completed in 2025 with construction in 2026.
The city also will purchase traffic signal equipment from Western Systems, Inc to replace end-of-life traffic and pedestrian signal equipment. The project will ensure that the new signal housing equipment is compatible with LED bulbs and resistant to corrosion. That will cost a little more than $88,000.
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Reporter Emma Maple can be reached by email at emma.maple@peninsuladailynews.com.
