Residents ask Lake Stevens for traffic study after roundabout and altered flows create cut‑through and speeding

Several Lake Stevens residents told the council June 24 that nearby roadway changes and a new roundabout have increased cut‑through traffic and unsafe speeds on small residential streets, and they asked the city to conduct traffic assessments and consider traffic‑calming measures.

Resident Richard "Rick" Trout said vehicles towing boats now use Millspur and 120th Avenue NE to cut into the line for the boat launch, blocking three private driveways for hours on busy summer days and at one point holding up an ambulance. He asked the council to consider signage or prohibitions on turning from Millspur onto 120th to protect driveways and reduce conflicts.

Derek Bollinger and neighbors said a one‑block stretch of Ninth Avenue near Twentieth and South Lake Stevens Road has become a rush‑hour cut‑through since a nearby roundabout opened. Bollinger said the short residential block — a two‑lane street with no sidewalks and many children — now experiences vehicles traveling “50 miles an hour plus” during peak periods. A neighbor added that buses stop on the street and there have been near misses when motorists swerve to avoid children.

Residents asked the council to commission a traffic assessment to evaluate speed, volume and possible countermeasures such as speed feedback signs, speed cushions or other traffic calming. Bollinger said a prior temporary speed‑feedback sign helped slow drivers and requested a formal study to guide permanent solutions.

Council response: Council members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff to study possible countermeasures and report back. No formal action was taken at the meeting; residents were told staff will follow up with traffic counts and next steps.