Road Construction Ahead

Here’s the latest update from WSDOT about the roundabout construction just east of Anacortes…

Sharpes Corner roundabout construction starts Wednesday, May 30
Changes for travelers driving or on bikes during final stages of SR 20 and SR 20 Spur intersection improvements

ANACORTES – Another roundabout is set to take shape on State Route 20 as the Fourth of July approaches.

The next stage of construction

Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Tapani, Inc. will start the largest stage of this project, building the double lane roundabout at the intersection of SR 20 and SR 20 Spur in Anacortes, on Wednesday, May 30.

During this stage, crews will remove the stoplight and reduce traffic to and from Anacortes and Whidbey Island to a single free-flowing lane in all directions around the center work zone.

Click to enlarge

People driving to:

• Anacortes or the San Juan Islands from Interstate 5-Use a newly built bypass lane on the north edge of the intersection.
• Whidbey Island from I-5- Crossover east of Sharpes Corner into an eastbound lane and through the intersection into the left lane climbing the hill toward Whidbey Island. People driving can choose either lane to go straight through the SR 20 and Miller Gibralter roads roundabout toward Whidbey Island.
• I-5 from Whidbey Island- Travel through the new roundabout at SR 20 and Miller/Gibralter roads down the hill and curve right through the new bypass lane on the southeast side of the intersection.
• I-5 from Anacortes/San Juan Islands- Turn right at SR 20 and head up the hill toward Whidbey Island. Drivers will merge into the left lane, make a U-turn at the new SR 20 and Miller Gibralter roads roundabout, drive down the hill and curve right through the new bypass lane on the southeast side of the intersection.
• Anacortes from Whidbey Island- Travel through the new roundabout at SR 20 and Miller/Gibralter roads, down the hill and curve right through the new bypass lane on the southeast side of the intersection and U-turn at March’s Point/Christianson road. 

Drivers should avoid nonessential trips though this area and peak commute periods, especially the afternoon, whenever possible. The speed limit throughout this work zone is 35 mph.

Routes for people on bicycles
People cycling to Anacortes or the San Juan Islands should stay on US Bike Route 10 across the Tommy Thompson Trail. Those traveling to Whidbey Island should consider Skagit County roads to avoid the construction area, which will have limited shoulder space.

What’s been done?
Since starting work on Monday, April 2, crews have:

• Completed construction of a roundabout at SR 20 and Miller Gibralter roads.
• Added a climbing lane to westbound SR 20 between the two intersections.
• Built two new bypass lanes.
• Made storm water and drainage improvements.
• Installed guardrail.
• Improved electrical connections, including adding new lighting.
• Nearly finished work on a new bicycle and pedestrian trail.

The final month of work
Crews will open the Sharpes Corner roundabout as a single-lane roundabout by mid-June. It will be completed and in its final configuration as a double lane roundabout by early July. All lanes and the bicycle and pedestrian path will be open for use by Fourth of July travelers to the Anacortes, Whidbey Island and San Juan Islands areas.

The 2015 Connecting Washington revenue package funded this $13.4 million project.

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