$5.3 million Pierce County roundabout aims to improve traffic congestion
A busy Key Peninsula intersection could see a federal funding boost.
Emily Randall is a U.S. congresswoman who represents the 6th district, which spans the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas as well as parts of the city of Tacoma. According to Randall’s website, the Democrat submitted a request for federal funding towards safety improvements at the Lackey Road Northwest/Jackson Lake Road Northwest/Key Peninsula Highway Northwest intersection.
The request is for $1.5 million, the website says, and would construct a single-lane roundabout.
“The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it delivers long-term safety, economic, and mobility benefits at a single, high-impact location by reducing traffic congestion, calming traffic, and addressing longstanding safety concerns identified by local residents,” Randall’s website says.
According to Pierce County’s website, the project is in the final phase of engineering design, with construction slated for the summer of 2027.
The project would include:
- A central island
- A truck apron for larger trucks and emergency vehicles to use while navigating the roundabout
- 6-foot paved shoulders
- Concrete curb, gutters and sidewalks
- Street lighting
- Signalized pedestrian crossings
- Stormwater storage and treatment facilities
Pierce County did preliminary engineering between December 2022 and October 2024, the website said.
Robyn Denson, a Pierce County councilwoman, previously said the project would cost the county $5.3 million.
Planning documents from the Puget Sound Regional Council say the preliminary engineering and design phase cost the county $658,000, and the right-of-way and property acquisition phase cost $180,000. Both of theose phases came from local road funds.
