Thurston County Seeks Permission for Up to Nine-Month Closure of Vail Road for SR 507 Roundabout Work

Public Works staff requested permission from the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners to temporarily close Vail Road from 100th & Tenth Avenue to State Route 507 for up to nine months during a planned roundabout construction window between Aug. 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027.

The county engineer and staff said temporary closure is the safest, least expensive and fastest option to complete the SR 507 and Vail Road roundabout project and that access to private property would be maintained. The segment of Vail Road affected has an average traffic volume of about 7,473 vehicles; staff said a signed three-mile detour using Bald Hill Road and SR 507 would add an estimated seven minutes of travel time.

Staff explained the request was being made well in advance because whether the road will be closed influences project plans, specifications and cost estimates. Commissioners asked about coordination with the City of Yelm and other nearby roundabout projects on SR 507; staff said they have coordinated with Yelm and that three roundabout projects are planned along SR 507.

Public outreach plans include an open house scheduled for Feb. 26 at Prairie Elementary School at 5:30 p.m. to share details with residents. Commissioners suggested notifying local legislators who helped secure project funding.

No final construction decision was made at the Feb. 11 session; staff sought permission to proceed with the closure planning and outreach so project design and procurement can move forward.