After years of anticipation and extensive construction efforts, Clarkston’s new roundabout has officially opened to traffic. Situated near the Interstate Bridge, it serves as a crucial junction where Diagonal, Bridge, and Second streets converge—one of the busiest intersections in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Although additional features such as artwork, a welcome sign, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony are pending, vehicles began navigating the roundabout last Friday.
Traffic commenced following an inspection by Keller Associates, the city of Clarkston, Knife River, and the Washington State Department of Transportation. While there are minor tasks yet to be completed, the roundabout will remain operational, according to Scott Linja, project manager at Keller Associates. Construction personnel monitored the roundabout’s performance immediately after its opening, noting its smooth operation without significant issues.
The five-leg spiral roundabout experienced some construction delays, but these were not attributed to the contractor. Linja commended Knife River for their exceptional work and coordination in managing the complex project at Clarkston’s busiest intersection. Originally budgeted at $2.3 million, the project’s final cost escalated to $2.7 million, primarily due to the unforeseen need to switch subcontractors.
This traffic solution has been in planning since 2013, following its identification as a potential improvement in the North Clarkston Circulation Study. It addresses a previously high-accident intersection, reducing driver delays from up to 45 seconds at traffic signals to an estimated one to ten seconds in the roundabout.
Keller Associates, the firm behind the design, will also provide a usage guide, set to be available on the city of Clarkston’s website. The guide aims to familiarize residents with navigating the new traffic feature efficiently.
Impact on Daily Life
The introduction of Clarkston’s roundabout is set to significantly enhance daily commutes for residents and visitors alike. By drastically reducing wait times from traffic signals, the roundabout offers a more efficient and continuous flow of traffic, improving overall travel time and reducing congestion in one of the region’s most heavily trafficked areas.
Beyond the immediate traffic improvements, the roundabout is expected to bolster safety at the intersection, historically prone to accidents. With fewer points of conflict compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts generally lead to a decrease in collision severity and frequency. This enhancement in traffic safety and mobility is likely to contribute positively to the quality of life for the Clarkston community, encouraging smoother and safer travel throughout the area.