Dec. 3 – The completion date for the new roundabout at the Interstate Bridge in Clarkston depends on weather, officials said Monday.
Paving has begun on the $2.3 million project, but it could be delayed in the coming weeks due to rain or freezing temperatures, said Mike Dimmick, Clarkston’s public works director.
“If the weather holds, this could happen by the end of the year,” Dimmick said, “but the realistic forecast now is March.”
Knife River crews have been working on the roundabout at Bridge and Diagonal streets for more than six months. Unlike most construction upheavals, some motorists say traffic flow has improved since the project started.
Federal, state and local funds will cover the cost of the roundabout. The city of Clarkston contributes 13.5%, Dimmick said.
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As soon as the paving is ready, the center of the roundabout comes into view. Salmon sculpture art and a “Welcome to Clarkston” sign are planned for the gateway display.
Dimmick, who has been at the helm of the Public Works Department for about three months, said there have been a few hiccups, but overall construction and traffic at the roundabout are going well on the city’s busy thoroughfare.
Clarkston worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation and other funding agencies to implement this project, which replaces the intersection with a design that should improve traffic flow for as many as 30 years, officials said.
The intersection was found to have the highest delays, queue lengths and collision rates in the area. The design for the new roundabout was developed by Keller Associates, Inc.
Nearby businesses were able to keep their doors open during construction. To date, the priority costs have not been included in the total price tag of the project.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
