As the brisk air settles over Yakima Valley, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) marks the end of this year's highway construction season, with several key projects around the US 12 and SR 821 regions reaching their completion. According to a report from WSDOT, the construction efforts on the US 97 roundabout at Lateral A in Wapato are set to hit pause during the colder months, with the anticipation of resuming when spring breathes new warmth into 2026.
Southbound travelers can now navigate through the partially finished roundabout; the northbound lanes stay true to their existing two-lane form, providing ample space for the passage of cars. WSDOT ensures that accessibility to the nearby business center on the west side of the highway remains uninterrupted, and turning onto Lateral A from northbound US 97 is as smooth as before. The roundabout completion is slated for the summer of 2026, following the springtime resurgence of construction activity.
In a collaboration that transcends mere asphalt and signage, WSDOT and the Yakama Nation are investing efforts to increase the safety measures along the US 97 corridor, an initiative that has brought to life two previous roundabouts and soon a third at Lateral A. This partnership underpins the underlying commitment to not only improve traffic flow but also to potentially save lives by reducing the number of intersection-related accidents, as detailed by WSDOT.
Momentum in infrastructure does not stagnate with the roundabout alone, for crews have diligently repaired an embankment near Rimrock Lake on US 12 and gave SR 821 in East Selah a new surface to embrace the wheels of future travelers.
