Circle July 6 on calendar; PO roundabout begins

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 6, 2023

Preliminary work on the new roundabout in Port Orchard at highway 166 and Bay Street begins July 6.

The goal is for it to open this fall.

A state Department of Transportation news release says the work will be done in phases. As work progresses, travelers will see one-way alternating traffic with temporary traffic signals. People can expect added congestion during construction.

There also will be a temporary bicycle and pedestrian detour around the intersection. Customers will notice modified access to some nearby businesses that will remain open. Nighttime travelers can also expect occasional overnight closures of the intersection.

The DOT says the project will help improve traffic flow while reducing the potential for serious injury collisions. Studies have shown that roundabouts improve safety for all travelers. Roundabouts typically result in: a 37% reduction in overall collisions, a 75% reduction in injury collisions and a 90% reduction in fatality collisions.

There will also be improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists. Roundabouts typically reduce pedestrian collisions by 40%, the DOT says.