Construction alerts for travelers who frequent State Route 503 near Rock Creek Road just north of Battle Ground. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that roundabout construction work will prompt significant traffic impacts starting Aug. 11 through Aug. 17 and again from Aug. 18 through Aug. 24. According to a WSDOT release, contractor Tapani, Inc. will be shutting down the west side of the intersection to construct “splitter islands,” crucial features for the safe operation of a roundabout.

During this period, traffic will be squeezed into a single alternating lane, which could lead to heightened congestion. WSDOT's Project Engineer Susan Fell emphasized the necessity of this disruption for the safety and speed of the construction. "Construction work can be disruptive to communities, and we understand the effect it causes," Fell said in the statement obtained by WSDOT. "By fully closing portions of the intersection, crews have the time and space needed to complete the work faster and safer, allowing them to reopen the roadway sooner." Essential to note, the construction also involves a tempoary reduction in the speed limit to 20 mph when temporary traffic signals are active, further contributing to predictable delays and traveler frustration.

The two-phase closure will first see the west leg of the SR 503 and Rock Creek Road intersection shut from 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, until 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. The same area will close again at 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 and will remain closed until 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. During these intervals, temporary traffic signals installed at the site will guide drivers through the construction zone. WSDOT has urged drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time to navigate through the area.

The roundabout project isn't stopping with the splitter islands. There’s more roadwork on the horizon, including the installation of curbing at intersection corners, final paving and the subsequent striping work. While road construction is often seen as an inconvenience, measures are taken to mitigate the impacts on local traffic flow and ensure the safety of both workers and the public.