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SR‑9 roundabout work will continue into school year; city outlines detours, crosswalks and safety measures
Summary
City staff told council the SR‑9 roundabout project will extend into September and described planned detours, temporary crosswalks, flaggers and a temporary signal at North Reed to protect students during the first weeks of school.
City staff told the Sedro‑Woolley City Council on Aug. 27 that work on the SR‑9 roundabout will extend into September and that the city is coordinating detours, pedestrian routes and safety measures with the school district.
Bill Bullock, a city staff member who introduced the agenda item, said city staff have coordinated closely with school officials because construction will overlap the start of the school year. "This project is going to be extending into September which is the beginning of the school year and just coordinating the logistics of the detours," Bullock said.
Project staff (Peter and others) reported that most utilities — PUD, Astound, Comcast and Ziply — have been relocated and that crews have placed sidewalks and are working on curbs and gutters. They said one stormwater pipe across SR‑9 remains to be installed and will be completed during a planned closure.
To protect students and pedestrians, staff described several measures: - The official detour route for vehicle traffic is Fruitdale; parents and school communications will be asked to use Fruitdale rather than residential streets such as Carter. - A permanent crosswalk exists south of the roundabout by Cascade Middle School; staff will install a temporary crosswalk just north of the construction area at the district’s request. - Construction flaggers will be positioned at main points of pedestrian access during school arrival and dismissal to keep students out of the work zone. - A temporary traffic signal at the end of North Reed will be installed Tuesday to improve flow; striping will create two lanes at that location (one left, one right). - All four legs of the roundabout will have push‑button rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) and additional street lighting to improve nighttime visibility.
Council members asked about crossing guards and police presence. Project staff said flaggers will be used at primary crossing points and the city can coordinate police or emergency vehicle passage if needed. Fire and EMS access routes were also discussed and staff said Reed Street, Central and Fruitdale provide alternative access for emergency vehicles; staff emphasized that they will flag emergency vehicles through the site if needed.
Staff acknowledged the project will have cost impacts. The team said crews discovered an old concrete roadway under Highway 9 that requires removal and subgrade work, and staff are preparing a "cost to complete" estimate to identify any needed budget adjustments.
Why it matters: the roundabout sits at a busy school corridor. Staff emphasized communication with parents (school district messaging and project graphics) and on‑site flagging the first week of school to reduce risks to students.
Ending: staff invited council members to visit the site and said they will monitor traffic and adjust operations during the school start; sidewalk pours and temporary signal work were scheduled in the days immediately following the meeting.
