A new roundabout has been proposed for College Street in Lacey. Here’s where and why
A proposed roundabout on College Street at Seventh Avenue that has long been discussed by city officials took a major step forward during a council work session on Tuesday.
The council gave a thumbs up to a roundabout through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between three key partners: the city, Saint Martin’s Abbey and Kirkland-based MJR Development, a business that has redeveloped several office buildings near and around Huntamer Park. That area is also known as Lacey Midtown.
Although the council agreed to move forward with the MOU, they are expected to vote on it at a future council meeting.
The future roundabout is viewed as kind of a gateway to the city, as well as a development that would connect Saint Martin’s University to the residential and commercial development in Midtown, and offer students a safe and convenient place to cross College Street.
Right now students have to cross College Street at Sixth Avenue or at Pacific Avenue, neither of which are close to the main campus. Some students choose to dash across the street as a result.
Some details of the MOU, according to Lacey City Manager Rick Walk:
▪ The city will design and construct the roundabout and fund both. Design work is expected to begin this year.
▪ At the city’s discretion, the city will look into a gateway feature or art for the center of the roundabout, with input from Saint Martin’s Abbey, MJR Development and other stakeholders.
▪ The Abbey will dedicate all necessary right-of-way along the east edge of College Street, and they will be responsible for the design and construction of the pedestrian entrance and pathway into Abbey property.
▪ MJR will dedicate right-of-way on the west side of College Street and make other improvements in the area.
Council member Carolyn Cox questioned the safety of an elevated object in the center of the roundabout.
The intent of having something in the center of the roundabout is to prevent drivers from seeing across it and making a decision to drive faster, Public Works Director Scott Egger said.
“But in terms of the art in the middle, you want something that’s attractive and place-making, but we don’t want a distraction,” he said. “We want people to keep their eyes on the road.”
This story was originally published April 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
