Lake Stevens is the smallest city in Snohomish County to have a roundabout, and it could have another as soon as next year.
City officials are considering adding a roundabout at the intersection of Lundeen Parkway, Vernon Road and Lake Drive, near the end of Soper Hill Road.
The city has heard from drivers who have a tough time getting out onto Lundeen Parkway from the other streets at rush hour, city administrator Jan Berg said.
"People in the community have definitely said they would like to see a roundabout there," Berg said.
A roundabout is a type of intersection where cars or trucks drive around a central circular area instead of going straight through or turning at a right angle. Roundabouts are different from smaller traffic circles, which are commonly used to slow down traffic in residential neighborhoods.
More and more roundabouts are being built in Snohomish County, the state and the nation as alternatives to traffic signals and stop signs. Studies show they cut down on the severity and frequency of accidents, keep traffic flowing, reduce air pollution, save gasoline and are easier and cheaper to maintain.
Detractors say they can be difficult to navigate and can cause fender-bender accidents.
Since 2001, six roundabouts have been installed throughout Snohomish County. As many as 20 more are planned in the county.
A roundabout was built at Lundeen Parkway and Callow Road 2006 by Snohomish County before the area became part of Lake Stevens. It's done well in moving traffic through the intersection, Police Chief Randy Celori has said.
The Lundeen Parkway-Vernon Road intersection is only about half a mile west of the existing roundabout.
City staff planned to discuss the issue with the City Council on Monday. The city already has budgeted $45,000 for planning the roundabout and could apply for a $2 million grant from the state for study, design and possible construction, officials said.
It's likely some corners of adjacent property would have to be acquired to make room for the roundabout, accounting for part of the cost, city public works director Dave Ostergaard said.
Area roundabouts
Monroe: Tester Road and 164th Street SE, installed 2001
Tulalip Indian Reservation: 34th Avenue NE at casino entrance, 2003
Marysville (unincorporated): Shoultes Road at 51st Avenue NE and 108th Street NE, 2005
Lake Stevens: Lundeen Parkway and Callow Road, 2006
Tulalip Indian Reservation: 34th Avenue NE and Quil Ceda Boulevard, 2007
Lynnwood (unincorporated): Ash Way and 18th Avenue West, 2008
