Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is going to support Tumwater in the planning and construction of two roundabouts at Interstate 5 and Tumwater Boulevard.
The Tumwater City Council approved an agreement to reimburse WSDOT for up to $200,000 in costs that would go toward the design and inspection of the roundabouts. The council passed the contract as part of its consent agenda on Tuesday, March 17.
The agreement allocates $100,000 per roundabout and includes an exceedance provision that would allow the contract to increase up to 25% over the original amount, provided the two parties sign a written amendment.
At a Public Works Committee meeting on March 5, Tumwater Engineering and Transportation Department Engineer Ryan Blaser, said the roundabouts are meant to improve the capacity of the interchange, as its current configuration does not meet service standards for certain traffic conditions.
Currently, the interchange includes a traffic signal at the southbound on-ramp and off-ramp and a stop-controlled intersection at the northbound on-ramp and off-ramp.
The project is being managed in phases, with the first phase focusing on the roundabout at the northbound on-ramp and off-ramp and the second dealing with the roundabout on the southbound ramp.
Blaser said the first phase is currently being designed and staffers are aiming to secure a contract for construction by the end of the year. The second phase is currently in preliminary design and won’t begin construction for at least one to two years.
The project also calls for pedestrian and bicycle improvements on the Interstate 5 overpass. The full cost of the project is estimated between $23 million and $30 million.
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turtleman
If they go ahead with the previously announced roundabout at the Tyee extension, that will result in four roundabouts within 800 yards. Isn't this a bit too much?
Tuesday, March 24 Report this
Southsoundguy
NO, we need MORE roundabouts! Every 500 feet!
Wednesday, March 25 Report this
SecondOtter
It's getting to the point where there won't be a straight stretch of road in Tumwater. I hereby propose that Tumwater be renamed "Roundabout". Or maybe "Tumwater Amusement Park".
Wednesday, March 25 Report this
turtleman
Southsoundguy, this would be like every 267 feet. Got to be mathematically accurate with sarcasm.
Wednesday, March 25 Report this