Drivers may be complaining about the new roundabouts near the blue bridge in Kennewick, but authorities say they appear to be reducing collisions.
In the 16 days since construction work at the Highway 395 and Highway 240 interchange was considered officially completed, there have been only two collisions on the blue bridge or in the roundabouts, said Washington State Patrol Lt. Jay Cabezuela on Friday.
In the same period last year -- Nov. 3-19, 2008 -- there were seven wrecks, he said.
Cabezuela admits it's only a small time frame to compare, but "at least for the first two or 21/2 weeks it's been open we have seen a significant decrease in the area."
"The public likes to complain about the roundabouts, but what they don't realize is it's working," he said.
The roundabouts were built and the cloverleaf at the base of the bridge was removed as part of an eight-month, $16 million project. The goal was to reduce collisions on the bridge that were often caused by traffic back-ups and drivers trying to get over at the last minute to take an exit.
"The backup has pretty much been eliminated," Cabezuela said.
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Researchers, sportsmen examine animal vehicle collisions on I-84
Researchers, sportsmen examine animal vehicle collisions on I-84
TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- Idaho sportsmen and researchers from Utah State University are studying where to put tunnels or bridges to keep deer and other wildlife off Interstate 84.
Jack Oyler, vice chairman of Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife in Idaho and a member of a state committee dedicated to reducing wildlife collisions, is heading the study to analyze herd migration patterns near a 10-mile stretch of I-84 near the Utah border.
The Times-News reported that with the help of state agencies, he has raised $23,000 to install cameras along the interstate. Researchers from Utah State University will use the footage to determine where tunnels or bridges should be set up for the deer.
No need to signal
No need to signal
This is in response to Sherrill Savery's letter to the editor on Nov. 28, 2011, regarding the use of turn signals on roundabouts. You can only turn right into or out of a roundabout. Turning left into roundabout will likely result in a head-on collision, while turning left out of the roundabout will cause you to cross over the center island.
Therefore, the use of of a turn signal is pointless. Signal if you wish, but most of us know what direction you should travel. The problem with roundabouts is driver apprehension and lack of attention.
Louie D. Smith, Hermiston
State keeps pushing plans for Benton City roundabout
State keeps pushing plans for Benton City roundabout
BENTON CITY — A single-lane roundabout someday will replace the confusing and sometimes congested intersection at highways 224 and 225 in Benton City.
The state Department of Transportation is continuing to work on getting the project ready for construction, although the state still doesn't have money to finish the design or build the roundabout.
The roundabout, the first phase of the Red Mountain project, is going through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Roundabout included in Kennewick intersection revamp
Roundabout included in Kennewick intersection revamp
KENNEWICK -- Kennewick's Olympia Street south of 27th Avenue will have a major makeover, starting next spring.
A $2.8 million reconstruction project will bring a new roundabout to Olympia and 45th Avenue, with sidewalks, curbs, gutters and streetlights the full distance out to Highway 397.
City Engineer Dan Kaufman said the project also will take out some wiggles at the top of the hill on Olympia about 1 mile south of Highway 397.
Use turn signals
Use turn signals
I've been wondering for some time why a roundabout intersection is any different than any other intersection.
When you approach an intersection, the law says you must signal which way you are going to turn, if you plan to turn. Why does hardly anyone signal approaching a roundabout intersection. There has been a lot of conversation about the dangers of these roundabouts and I believe this habit would prevent a lot of the problems.
Sherrill Savery, Kennewick
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