Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Tumwater City Council authorized additional spending to resolve outstanding issues related to the acquisition of right-of-way for a planned roundabout at X Street and Capitol Boulevard.
At a meeting on Tuesday, June 16, the city council authorized amending a contract with Tierra Right of Way Services to increase the firm’s maximum payout to $226,490 from $184,220 while also extending the agreement through 2027.
During a Public Works Committee meeting on June 4, Brandon Hicks, Director of the Engineering and Transportation Department, said Tierra was hired to serve as a neutral third-party liaison between city staff and property owners affected by the roundabout.
He said the city lacks qualified negotiation staff, and prefers separation between parties to ensure fair transactions.
To proceed with the roundabout, the city is looking to acquire seven properties. Three properties have been fully acquired, two are close to closing, while another two remain unresolved.
Hicks said one establishment requires relocation, but due to a lack of commercial market availability within Tumwater, Tierra had to help the owner look elsewhere. The owner has found a site within unincorporated Thurston County and is dealing with permitting.
Another impacted business does not have to move, but needs reorientation as the roundabout requires the establishment to move its parking area to a previously undeveloped portion of the property.
Hicks expressed hope that the additional money would be sufficient to acquire all the required right-of-way, but noted the process is highly unpredictable.
He added staff expects to bid the project out for construction by late fall or early winter of 2026, unless delays persist.
The project is expected to cost $7.7 million and is funded by five federal grants amounting to $5.4 million that were received through Thurston Regional Planning Council. The city would cover remaining costs using funds dedicated to capital projects.
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turtleman
Still do not understand the need for a roundabout at X when the plan is to have another nearby at Dennis. With two schools on Dennis, that one makes sense, while X doesn't really go all that far in either direction.
Tuesday, June 23 Report this
Southsoundguy
More grifting.
Tuesday, June 23 Report this
MartyKenney
Gosh this seems like a huge waste of money. Roundabouts are great but this intersection seriously doesn’t need one.
Tuesday, June 23 Report this
Juno1439
I live off of X St and I disagree with the installation of this roundabout also. I sent a letter to the council two weeks ago requesting they rellik at this, and I received an email back from Mr Norman stating that this plan was originally approved around 2013. I didnt purchase my home until 2023. I think we as the public should have another meeting regarding this installation since so much time has transpired, and the original agreement was approved by council members who are not seated anymore
Wednesday, June 24 Report this
SecondOtter
SOMEONE is making money putting in all these roundabouts, most of which are unnecessary. This one, especially-X street is not a through street to anywhere. There is no need for it. Roundabout Fever in Tumwater is rampant and it needs to be stopped.
Monday, June 29 Report this