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Since the roundabouts opened recently at Boulevard Road and Brassfield Street, traffic through the area appears to be moving along more quickly, said Theresa Parsons, project coordinator.
“I don’t think we have the long backups in general unless there’s work going on right at the intersection,” Parsons said.
But Parsons warns that this isn’t the end of traffic delays in the area, saying there is plenty to be done before the project wraps up at the end of the year.
Delays are expected when the roundabouts are paved, and long backups are expected in the next month or so when a second layer of asphalt is laid on Yelm between Henderson Boulevard and Boulevard Road, Parsons said.
The roundabout at Boulevard is a welcome sight for local businesses, including the Chevron station located near the intersection.
Construction on the road has been tough for the station.
“It was really bad. … It’s hard for customers to come in,” said Nikoly Simina, assistant station manager.
Other work in the area includes installing sound barrier walls, finishing sewer work on the east end of the project, pouring sidewalks, and preparation work for sidewalks on Boulevard, Parsons said.
Once complete, the 11/4-mile stretch of road will include four lanes, center medians, sidewalks and bike lanes.
Nate Hulings: 360-754-5476
nhulings@theolympian.com
www.theolympian.com/outsideoly
