Desert Aire meeting set about roundabout

DESERT AIRE - The Washington State Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting here on Saturday, March 30, to give residents an opportunity to comment on proposed safety changes at the intersection of Highway 243 and Road 24 SW.

There is more than one option, but it's clear the WSDOT leans toward a roundabout. It would slow highway traffic to about 25 miles per hour.

The WSDOT hosted a well-attended open house at Wahluke High School in January to discuss plans for a roundabout.

"The first one gave us the opportunity to share our ideas for a roundabout, which appears to be the most efficient and cost-effective solution," said Bob Romine, WSDOT project engineer. "We got a lot of great feedback, but we felt everyone deserved another opportunity to learn more about roundabouts and to see the other alternatives we looked at."

The March 30 open house is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. at the Desert Aire Community Center (504 Clubhouse Way West, Desert Aire). In addition to displays of the other alternatives, WSDOT will share videos demonstrating how roundabouts work for cars and large trucks.

About 5,800 vehicles per day pass through the intersection of Highway 243 and Road 24 SW. Between 2007 and 2012, there were 21 collisions involving 43 vehicles.

This project is funded and construction is currently scheduled for early 2014. Visit the project web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR243/IntersectionImprovements/