County sets opening date for new roundabout at intersection of Smith and Hannegan
After more than two months of construction, the new roundabout at the Smith-Hannegan road intersection is set to open at the end of the working day Wednesday.
“Demobilization activities and general site clean-up will occur on Thursday. No traffic delays are expected as a result of this work,” the Whatcom County Public Works Department said in a statement.
Public Works officials said the roundabout, which replaces signal lights at the intersection, are similar to those on Guide Meridian from Ten Mile Road north to Lynden.
“Drivers should be aware that the intersection has significantly transformed from a signalized intersection to a multi-lane roundabout. Please slow down and use caution while traveling through the intersection for the first time,” Public Works officials said.
No work is expected for the rest of August. Crews will return in September to install lighting and spread grass seed.
Nearly $4 million in federal funds went toward construction.
Whatcom County officials said that the multi-lane roundabout will improve traffic flow at the intersection of two key roads north of Bellingham. Traffic backs up during the morning and evening commuter rush, and several crashes are reported there every year.
Officials hope that steady traffic flow and reduced speeds will ease the severity of crashes, a phenomenon that was seen when roundabouts were added to Guide Meridian. A 2018 Bellingham Herald investigation of roundabout crash data over almost 20 years at four intersections on the Guide showed an increase in overall crashes after the roundabouts were built — but there was a sharp decline in injuries from those wrecks.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 3:14 PM.
