State Route 7 in Pierce County may soon see a series of changes aimed at enhancing safety for all modes of transportation. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is inviting the public to provide feedback on a proposed project that plans to implement four roundabouts between SR 507 and 267th Street East in Spanaway. The concept, centered around the Complete Streets strategy, focuses on facilitating safer and more efficient travel, whether one walks, bikes, drives, or uses transit, as per WSDOT.
The predesign phase that WSDOT is currently conducting includes the consideration of shared-use paths, improved pedestrian crossings, and potential reductions in speed limits. A change in the center turn lane and additional roundabouts at other intersections are also on the table. The public is being asked to participate by sharing their input starting today through in-person and online platforms. According to the WSDOT announcement, this feedback will help shape the final recommendations for the project, which is set to advance to the design phase in the spring of 2025.
To gather this crucial community input, WSDOT is hosting an in-person open house today, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bethel Learning Center in Spanaway. No formal presentation is planned; instead, attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with the project team members, learn more about the specifics of the proposal, and provide their own insights during the event.
For those who cannot attend the open house in person, an online option is available today to Nov. 26. The virtual open house can be accessed anytime, allowing individuals to review the project details and complete a questionnaire at their convenience. WSDOT has also enabled free, temporary internet access at several Drive-In WiFi Hotspot locations across the state for beneficiaries who might not have broadband service. Additionally, free WiFi access is available at the Parkland/Spanaway and Summit Pierce County Libraries for participants who wish to take part in the digital open house, as detailed by the official announcement.
